"Love Lies Bleeding": A Sweaty and Bloody Queer Romance

Director: Rose Glass
Rating: 7/10

After her critically acclaimed directorial debut, Rose Glass returns with “Love Lies Bleeding”, a film that marks her status as one of the must-watch directors in contemporary cinema. Rose’s sophomore feature is a visceral exploration of love entangled within the violent underbelly of a criminal family, set against the raw backdrop of the bodybuilding world. “Love Lies Bleeding” is an electrifying love story that revolves around the romance between Lou, a reclusive gym manager, and Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed to Vegas to pursue her dream of becoming a bodybuilder champion. Their love story ignites violence when Lou’s criminal family background is revealed. 

The film’s aesthetics set a visually striking tone that captivates the audience’s attention right from the opening scene to the end credit. The opening scene alone is a testament to Glass’ exceptional vision as a filmmaker, beautifully setting up the narrative that unfolds with both tension and intrigue with sweaty and ripped camera shots. This allows the audience to be in an immersive romantic movie experience, mixing minute amount of body horror elements and action sequences but at its core, it’s a powerful queer romantic movie that seems like only Glass can master. Following the noteworthy success of "Saint Maud," Glass was undoubtedly under immense pressure to deliver a compelling follow-up.

The narrative setting of the movie is set in this sweaty gym, that not only serves as a backdrop, but as a character itself---sweaty, pulsating, and visceral. This effectively mirrors the internal turmoil that is contrary to the character’s strong external physicality, making the gym environment a crucial element of the story. The cinematography in “Love Lies Bleeding” is exceptional. There are only a few films that rarely utilize camera work that vividly captures the essence of sweat, blood, and body figures, and Glass does it so well in this movie. The camera lingers on the sweat and blood of its characters, capturing the grueling reality of bodybuilding. Each frame in this sweaty gym is filled with rippling bodies and sweat which is a testament to the physicality of the film’s setting. The close-up shots of rippling muscles and strained expressions transport viewers directly into the gym, allowing them to feel every drop of sweat and hear every breath. This choice not only enhances the narrative's intensity but also pays homage to 1980s bodybuilding footage, immersing the viewer fully into a world of relentless pursuit of physical perfection. There is where the film stands out, its impressive visual storytelling. 

The aesthetics and production design of the movie are deliberately gritty and raw which weaves so well in the narrative thread. The production design pays homage to vintage 80s bodybuilding footage, yet it’s filtered through a contemporary lens that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It deliberately avoids the polished and pristine look of many films for something much more gritty, sweaty, and authentic look. This element enriches the visual narrative as it provides a tangible sense of place that is at once inviting and repulsive, mirroring the complicated romance at play within the film’s central relationship. This choice not only enhances the authenticity of the setting but also deepens the exploration of the physical and emotional demands of the characters. "Love Lies Bleeding" explores the complexities of love manifested in physical form.

A24

The surprising element of this movie is the touch of body horror without resorting to exploitation, handling its gruesome and horror elements with subtlety. The film balances the elements of romance, body horror, and action meticulously, ensuring the gruesome aspects and action sequences of the movie are served without overpowering the theme of queer romance and sexual desire. This nuanced approach allows the film to delve into the darker sides of human desire without becoming gratuitous.

Kristen Stewart as Lou, delivers a powerhouse performance since “Spencer.” Coming off from her critically acclaimed and Oscar-worthy performance in “Spencer,” Kristen continues to prove to be one of the finest actresses of her generation. Her portrayal of Lou’s intense, and almost instantaneous love for Jackie is compelling and profoundly convincing. Kristen’s ability to convey emotion through minimalistic expression and subtle body movement adds a deep layer to her character without being on the nose. However, the real revelation here is Katy O’Brien as Jackie. Katy brings a level of authenticity to the character that not only transcends to the viewers but is also believable due to her prior experience as an ex-bodybuilder. Her physicality and strength are impressive, but it’s her vulnerability and emotional language that truly makes her a standout and memorable. Katy’s performance is a career-defining moment, showcasing her ability to embody both the physical intensity and emotional complexity required by the role. The fact that in an interview, Katy mentioned that she auditioned for the role 6 times before getting the part is insane. There is no other actress that fits the character of Jackie so well than Katy O’Brien.

At its core, “Love Lies Bleeding” is a dark romance infused with action and some elements of body horror marked by a level of gruesome moments that is both shocking and fitting. The film’s exploration of queer love story and violence is compelling, with strong performances and a directorial vision that’s bold and clever, “Love Lies Bleeding” is definitely one of this year’s strongest films. Understandably, the film’s unique approach to romance, blended with dark humor and horror might not resonate to most audiences. 

In conclusion, through its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances, the film not only meets the high expectations set by Glass’s debut but also sets new standards for what is possible in genre filmmaking. There are moments in the movie that feel jarring and the tonal shifts seem to be abrupt, but once this movie finds its people, it’s likely to become a classic cult that will be celebrated as time goes by.