Sapphics everywhere are rejoicing with the influx of films hitting theaters featuring woman-loving-woman characters. With the recent release of crime-comedy film “Drive-Away Dolls,” a crime-thriller was due. Director Rose Glass and A24 delivered.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is Glass’s second film, but her previous film “Saint Maud” won Best Cinematography and the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards in 2021.
Her short but impressive resume won the attention of A24 and Film4, and the two companies co-produced this film.
Not only did Glass receive attention from the two companies, but also her lead actress. Kristen Stewart was a fan of “Saint Maud” and was confirmed to be part of the cast for “Love Lies Bleeding” in April 2022.
The film had its American premiere at Sundance in January where it sparked a lot of conversation and became one of the most anticipated releases of the film festival.
Part of those conversations involved the film’s premise: a thriller revolving around a bodybuilder and a gym manager.
“Wouldn’t it be cool to make a film about a female bodybuilder? I thought it sounded like an exciting, psychologically rich territory to have somebody in that world and with that sort of ambition,” Glass said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
As a fan of Glass’s work — and one of the many intrigued by the premise of “Love Lies Bleeding” — I had the theatrical release date of March 8, 2024 marked in my calendar.
Lou — the gym manager played by Stewart — and Jackie — the bodybuilder played by Katy M. O’Brian — have far from a meet-cute, as one of the first things we see them connect on is steroid injections. Nevertheless, you find yourself rooting for the pair, even when things take a sharp turn for the worst.
“I really like these people a lot, but they’re morally defunct and completely willing to justify any bad behavior because of love,” Stewart said in an interview with Collider.
As the film progresses, the audience finds themselves learning more about the meek gym manager and her father — as well as their history. Shock after shock, the film captivates anyone’s attention as they also try to piece together the lies.
While the action plays out, the film bounces between reality and hallucination, which adds a jarring and immersive element for the audience.
Stewart and O’Brian balance each other out and the two become a dynamic duo in the film. It’s interesting to see their interactions on screen, and to observe how they develop because of it.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The 80s thriller vibe mixed with a wonderfully written and complex sapphic love story felt like a gift from Glass. While watching, the film forces you to question the characters’ morals, as well as your own.
“In the end, everyone has the potential to do awful things if it gets them what they want. And I think people are quite good at justifying anything to themselves if it gets them what they want and makes them feel good. So I didn’t want to let anybody off the hook,” Glass said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is currently in theaters now.
