776 words, 4 minutes read time.
“Love Lies Bleeding,” directed by Rose Glass, is a film that doesn’t shy away from its gritty and intense themes. Set in a run-down New Mexico backwater, the movie revolves around Lou (played by Kristen Stewart), the manager of a bodybuilding gym, and Jackie (portrayed by newcomer Katy O’Brian), a confident (though damaged) and alluring bodybuilder.
Jackie, unbeknownst to Lou, has just started working at a shooting range owned by Lou’s estranged father. As their relationship ignites, it leads them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family, resulting in violence and unexpected consequences
Lou, despite being the film’s protagonist, is far from perfect. Her natural magnetism is muted behind a whey powder pallor, an air of defeated weariness, and hair that looks as if it’s been deep-fried. Yet, it’s these seemingly unconscious tics – like raking her fingers through her fringe or nervously wiping her nose on her T-shirt – that humanize her. Lou feels grounded and three-dimensional amidst the movie’s excesses.
Lou’s relationship with her father (played by Ed Harris) is a central theme in “Love Lies Bleeding,” shaping the characters’ actions and adding layers of complexity to the storyline.
Lou Sr. is not your typical father figure. He is a criminal who essentially runs the town. His criminal activities include running guns and committing murders, which have drawn the attention of the FBI.
Lou is estranged from her father, but he still holds power over her life. She works at the gym he owns, and her connection to him is unavoidable.
Lou’s conflicted feelings toward her father stem from a mix of resentment, fear, and a twisted sense of loyalty. At some points we glimpse images and hear dialogue that suggests that she was once his loyal sidekick.
Jackie, on the other hand, is a magnificent creature – confident, physically assured, and glistening with charisma. However, her arrival in Lou’s grim hometown disrupts the status quo, leading to unexpected consequences.
The film embraces full-bore nastiness on every level. Lust, violence, and negativity collide, creating a potent mix. Lou’s love affair with Jackie is both sweaty and grubby, but it’s also scorching hot. Their relationship is far from conventional, and the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of desire.
Lou’s sister, Beth (played by Jena Malone) is an abusive relationship with her husband JJ, portrayed by Dave Franco, and appears to be suffering from “Stockholm Syndrome”. She is prepared to accept the abuse, justifies and minimizes the abuser’s actions, voluntarily helps and protect him (for example by not filing police reports) and says she loves him. She acts out against Lou when she tries to help her end the abusive situation. Stockholm Syndrome sheds light on the dark psychology of abusive relationships, where victims may paradoxically bond with those who harm them. Lou’s protective instincts kick in when she witnesses the harm JJ inflicts on Beth and it’s here that we see her her in the most sympathetic light.
For me, this was both the saddest and most interesting part of the film.
The rooted realism in Lou’s character and in Beth’s abusive relationship provides a necessary balance. While the rest of the movie ventures into outlandish territory, Lou remains relatable. Her ordinariness contrasts sharply with the almost cartoonish excesses elsewhere.
Some of the less central characters are interesting too. Anna Baryshnikov brings Daisy to life—a stringy-haired, brown-toothed hanger-on. Daisy spends most of her time on screen fawning over Lou. Her portrayal of Daisy is captivating, as she embodies the character’s vulnerability and stalkerish obsession.
“Love Lies Bleeding” delves into themes of desire, obsession, and the lengths people will go to for love, or at least a very damaged version of it. It’s a blood-soaked, all-American fable that doesn’t pull punches. If frank depictions of sex between women bother you, it’s not for you as this is part of the central story.
The film veers from noir to revenge thriller to body horror, keeping viewers on their toes. At times, it’s thrilling and darkly funny at moments.
The film is a testament to the writing skills of Rose Glass (who also directed Saint Maud) and Weronika Tofilska (who directed the hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer). Both these women are intelligent, talented and have something to say. I just hope that their future work shows more of a positive moral core.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is not for the faint of heart. Its characters are deeply flawed, and the storyline takes risks. Whether you appreciate its relentlessly dark and negative approach or find it too intense, there’s no denying that this film leaves a lasting impression.
By Pat Harrington
Picture credit: By http://www.impawards.com/intl/uk/2024/love_lies_bleeding_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75596279
