184 reviews
Rose Glass, the visionary director behind Saint Maud, throws another punch with Love Lies Bleeding, a neo-noir crime thriller that's both stylish and unsettling. Lou, a cautious gym manager, has her world turned upside down when she develops feelings for Jackie, a dedicated bodybuilder in Las Vegas training for a competition (Katie O'Brian). Sparks fly, but their budding romance gets entangled with Lou's dark family secrets, propelling them down a violent path.
Love Lies Bleeding isn't afraid to push boundaries. It evokes memories of classic thrillers like Body Double, with its neon-drenched aesthetic and underlying themes of obsession and desire. However, Glass injects a contemporary dose of female empowerment, subverting the stereotypical femme fatale trope. Jackie isn't just a damsel in distress; she's a complex character with her own agency, which adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The film's greatest strength lies in its central performances. Stewart delivers a raw and intense portrayal of Lou, a woman yearning for connection but burdened by her past. O'Brian matches her intensity, embodying the steely determination and vulnerability of Jackie with remarkable nuance. Their chemistry is undeniable, making us invested in their tumultuous relationship, even as things spiral out of control.
While the plot takes some wild turns, it's the film's thematic exploration that lingers. Glass dissects the destructive nature of desire, and the lengths people go to in the name of love-or perhaps, obsession. The violence, though brutal, feels purposeful, serving as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil the characters endure.
Admittedly, the pacing can be uneven at times. The first act establishes the characters and their connection beautifully, but the middle section drags a bit as the focus shifts towards the criminal underbelly. However, the film regains its momentum in the final act, culminating in a climax that's both shocking and strangely cathartic.
Technically, Love Lies Bleeding is a knockout. The cinematography is sharp, using bold colours and contrasting lighting to create a visually arresting world. The pounding score complements the film's intensity, while the editing keeps the narrative taut without sacrificing character development.
Love Lies Bleeding isn't for the faint of heart. It's a film that revels in its own darkness, challenging us with its graphic violence and unconventional love story. But for those seeking a neo-noir experience that's both thrilling and thought-provoking, this is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Love Lies Bleeding is a film with flaws, but its bold direction, phenomenal performances, and exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of unconventional thrillers. Just be prepared for a wild ride.
Love Lies Bleeding isn't afraid to push boundaries. It evokes memories of classic thrillers like Body Double, with its neon-drenched aesthetic and underlying themes of obsession and desire. However, Glass injects a contemporary dose of female empowerment, subverting the stereotypical femme fatale trope. Jackie isn't just a damsel in distress; she's a complex character with her own agency, which adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The film's greatest strength lies in its central performances. Stewart delivers a raw and intense portrayal of Lou, a woman yearning for connection but burdened by her past. O'Brian matches her intensity, embodying the steely determination and vulnerability of Jackie with remarkable nuance. Their chemistry is undeniable, making us invested in their tumultuous relationship, even as things spiral out of control.
While the plot takes some wild turns, it's the film's thematic exploration that lingers. Glass dissects the destructive nature of desire, and the lengths people go to in the name of love-or perhaps, obsession. The violence, though brutal, feels purposeful, serving as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil the characters endure.
Admittedly, the pacing can be uneven at times. The first act establishes the characters and their connection beautifully, but the middle section drags a bit as the focus shifts towards the criminal underbelly. However, the film regains its momentum in the final act, culminating in a climax that's both shocking and strangely cathartic.
Technically, Love Lies Bleeding is a knockout. The cinematography is sharp, using bold colours and contrasting lighting to create a visually arresting world. The pounding score complements the film's intensity, while the editing keeps the narrative taut without sacrificing character development.
Love Lies Bleeding isn't for the faint of heart. It's a film that revels in its own darkness, challenging us with its graphic violence and unconventional love story. But for those seeking a neo-noir experience that's both thrilling and thought-provoking, this is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Love Lies Bleeding is a film with flaws, but its bold direction, phenomenal performances, and exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of unconventional thrillers. Just be prepared for a wild ride.
- steveinadelaide
- Mar 22, 2024
- Permalink
- vanessavegan
- Jul 21, 2024
- Permalink
Love Lies Bleeding tells the story of Lou(Kristen Stewart), who works in a gym. Lou falls in love with Jackie(Katy O'Brian), an aspiring bodybuilder who is passing through town, before competing in a bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas.
Love Lies Bleeding is a good film. Director Rose Glass has given us a movie that is unique, gripping, has plenty of shock value & keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, throughout. However, one major flaw is that it tries to mix too many genres & themes. The ending of the film is quite bad & is unintentionally funny, too. The performances are the highlight of the movie. Kristen Stewart is spectacular as Lou. Katy O'Brian is awe-inspiring as Jackie. Stewart & O'Brian share electrifying chemistry, in all their scenes together. Anna Baryshnikov is outstanding as Daisy. Dave Franco is unforgettable as JJ. Jenna Malone is brilliant as Beth. Ed Harris is outstanding as Lou Sr. The supporting cast is excellent. Love Lies Bleeding is worth a watch if you want to watch an original story. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride!
Love Lies Bleeding is a good film. Director Rose Glass has given us a movie that is unique, gripping, has plenty of shock value & keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, throughout. However, one major flaw is that it tries to mix too many genres & themes. The ending of the film is quite bad & is unintentionally funny, too. The performances are the highlight of the movie. Kristen Stewart is spectacular as Lou. Katy O'Brian is awe-inspiring as Jackie. Stewart & O'Brian share electrifying chemistry, in all their scenes together. Anna Baryshnikov is outstanding as Daisy. Dave Franco is unforgettable as JJ. Jenna Malone is brilliant as Beth. Ed Harris is outstanding as Lou Sr. The supporting cast is excellent. Love Lies Bleeding is worth a watch if you want to watch an original story. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride!
- Anurag-Shetty
- Jun 24, 2024
- Permalink
The acting is really good. The chemistry between Kristen and Katy (beefy chick) felt very natural. Say what you will about Kristen in the Twilight movies, but she's got some serious acting chops. She did a banger job in this movie. Ed Harris's hair is crazy evil and his performance is up there with Kristen's. Dave Franco was funny, but I also hated his character. The movie has some unexpected dark humor at times, which was surprising given its dark and gritty look. There's some good use of sound design, there's a lot of squishy noises throughout the movie. The soundtrack is solid as well. The movie's got its own distinct style. Cinematography was pretty impressive. They made some really nice creative decisions with certain shots and the way they filmed certain scenes.
This movie is equal parts intense, violent, unsettling and funny at times. I don't know what it is about A24 but they always seem to do weird things in the movies they release. Overall, the movie was fine with the exception of two moments where it turned really weird and of course both of those moments could be seen as metaphorical. This movie takes a downward spiral where things get pretty dark and out of control. In essence, this movie is about love, obsession, addiction, past trauma, toxic relationships and extremely flawed characters. Unfortunately there's not a single character with a redeeming quality by the end of the movie that you can cheer for or relate to, and this makes it hard to truly get invested in. The beginning part of the movie was the best. But once things start to spiral out of control, it becomes unsettling, intense and not the most pleasant of rides. Although I was glued to the screen while watching and it was entertaining, I don't think I'd watch this one again. I can recommend it though.
This movie is equal parts intense, violent, unsettling and funny at times. I don't know what it is about A24 but they always seem to do weird things in the movies they release. Overall, the movie was fine with the exception of two moments where it turned really weird and of course both of those moments could be seen as metaphorical. This movie takes a downward spiral where things get pretty dark and out of control. In essence, this movie is about love, obsession, addiction, past trauma, toxic relationships and extremely flawed characters. Unfortunately there's not a single character with a redeeming quality by the end of the movie that you can cheer for or relate to, and this makes it hard to truly get invested in. The beginning part of the movie was the best. But once things start to spiral out of control, it becomes unsettling, intense and not the most pleasant of rides. Although I was glued to the screen while watching and it was entertaining, I don't think I'd watch this one again. I can recommend it though.
Rose Glass's follow up to Saint Maud is a sweaty,twisty thriller that's reminded me of a mash up of Blood Simple, Bound, Thelma and Louise and Breaking Bad/ Better Call Saul in its depiction of blue collar working class individuals thrown into a nightmare of double dealings, revenge,sex,drugs (with the exception of Bound) all filmed under a sun bleached environment.
Kristen Stewart is excellent in the lead and shows depth and vulnerability, as she did in 'Spencer ' and is fast becoming a solid actor.
Katy O'Brian is dedicated as the pumped up body builder and its good to see Ed Harris again as the scary crime boss (with even scarier hair) Where the film fails is in the stupid last 5mins which is just laughable and utterly stupid (this ruined the film for Laura!) it's like a tacked on fantasy. Was Glass bereft of any other ideas ? Did she deliberately want to add something stupid as a ' breather' for the audience after the bloody events prior. Whatever it is its really weird!
Kristen Stewart is excellent in the lead and shows depth and vulnerability, as she did in 'Spencer ' and is fast becoming a solid actor.
Katy O'Brian is dedicated as the pumped up body builder and its good to see Ed Harris again as the scary crime boss (with even scarier hair) Where the film fails is in the stupid last 5mins which is just laughable and utterly stupid (this ruined the film for Laura!) it's like a tacked on fantasy. Was Glass bereft of any other ideas ? Did she deliberately want to add something stupid as a ' breather' for the audience after the bloody events prior. Whatever it is its really weird!
- dweston-38669
- May 5, 2024
- Permalink
'Love Lies Bleeding (2024)' is a sweaty, grimy, bloody romantic crime thriller about a disillusioned woman who falls in love with a bodybuilding hitchhiker whose steroid-infused rage soon lands both of them in big trouble. It unashamedly - proudly, even - takes the often explicitly cishet, masculine revenge/crime-gone-wrong genre and tells it from a distinctly LGBT+, feminine angle that doesn't feel exploitative despite its graphic nature. It also doesn't box itself in with that 'feminine' label, allowing its female characters to exist with all the complexities and imperfections usually afforded to their male counterparts. It's refreshing to see a story like this be told from a creative team of primarily women, and director Rose Glass continues to impress with her sophomore feature. Filled with palpable texture and peppered with moments of stark surrealism, the feature typically avoids convention despite telling a fairly conventional tale. It's the kind of film you can almost smell, a dirty and down-to-earth representation of small-town America that's the opposite of 'Hollywood' (whatever that term is typically associated with). Its moments of shocking violence punctuate the interpersonal drama at its core and inherently raise its stakes. Kristen Stewart is really good a Lou, with a non-showy performance that feels tactile and real. She's able to hide a real darkness just beneath her shy yet brash exterior, and her initially meek interactions with Katy O'Brian believably bubble into the full-blown immersion associated with head-over-heels love. O'Brian turns in similarly impressive work, portraying a dangerous but vulnerable person whose inner life is layered and messy and likely not all that much more stable prior to her experiments with steroids. She's so ripped she could easily play She-Hulk without the aid of CGI (which, incidentally, I'd love to see), but it isn't her stunning physique that leaves the strongest impression and that's no easy feat. The supporting cast do a good job at making the world feel palpable, with Ed Harris' hair extensions always threatening to outact everyone they share a frame with (Harris himself is good too, of course) and Dave Franco channeling his brother to convincingly play a real creep (and somehow garner a hint of sympathy with a single word in his most memorable scene). Although it's not always as exciting or intense as I'd like, the piece has a strong atmosphere throughout and its world really does feel tangible. Its complex characters constantly reveal darker and darker aspects of themselves, all while its heroes fall deeper and deeper into an all consuming romance that might just doom them both. Its infrequent violence is as shocking as it is affecting, and its confident surrealism gives it a slightly ambiguous air that adds to its overall effect. It's a strong example of female and LGBT+ representation, too. It's not as good as Glass' previous picture, 'Saint Maude (2019)', but it's a really solid follow-up that's effective pretty much across the board.
- Pjtaylor-96-138044
- May 9, 2024
- Permalink
In the southwest in the late 1980s, a young female bodybuilder finds a new home in a small town. She comes across a young female employee at a gym whom she quickly connects with, but who turns out to be at odds with her family, a hive of degenerates. Their romance ends up being intertwined in a web of crime.
Kristen Stewart is quite good in this as the black sheep of the family and a determined rebel. Katy O'Brian turns out to be the unexpected life blood of this film. Her performance is so multidimensional that the film just wouldn't be as good without her. She conveys curiosity, fear, rage and ultimately ecstasy in the arms of her newfound muse. Her discovery of steroids adds a nice bonus, but it's possible this plot thread merely unleashed a fierce beast that was always there and never had a escape valve. Dave Franco is well-deployed in a brief but seething role as a scummy hooligan. Ed Harris is effectively cold-hearted as the local kingpin who seemingly owns everything in the town and has local law enforcement in his back pocket to cover up his dirty tracks.
Although profoundly gripping and impossible to tune out, this is definitely not for squeamish viewers. The violence here is quite ferocious. The tension is at times a turbo-charged level. It's been a while since a film filled me with some of that old school dread as it drew toward its climax. The soundtrack often lean on soothing New Wave beats, as if to provide some relief from the devilish storyline. At times disturbing, other times intensely atmospheric, this film offers an escape from mainstream fare. Through it all, the ending feels hard-earned and cathartic. Highly recommended to those like edgy filmmaking.
Kristen Stewart is quite good in this as the black sheep of the family and a determined rebel. Katy O'Brian turns out to be the unexpected life blood of this film. Her performance is so multidimensional that the film just wouldn't be as good without her. She conveys curiosity, fear, rage and ultimately ecstasy in the arms of her newfound muse. Her discovery of steroids adds a nice bonus, but it's possible this plot thread merely unleashed a fierce beast that was always there and never had a escape valve. Dave Franco is well-deployed in a brief but seething role as a scummy hooligan. Ed Harris is effectively cold-hearted as the local kingpin who seemingly owns everything in the town and has local law enforcement in his back pocket to cover up his dirty tracks.
Although profoundly gripping and impossible to tune out, this is definitely not for squeamish viewers. The violence here is quite ferocious. The tension is at times a turbo-charged level. It's been a while since a film filled me with some of that old school dread as it drew toward its climax. The soundtrack often lean on soothing New Wave beats, as if to provide some relief from the devilish storyline. At times disturbing, other times intensely atmospheric, this film offers an escape from mainstream fare. Through it all, the ending feels hard-earned and cathartic. Highly recommended to those like edgy filmmaking.
- PotassiumMan
- Mar 22, 2024
- Permalink
Lots of people didn't like how they decided to end the movie. Yes I am talking about "that". But seeing what the circumstances were and how much roids were involved I think from the perspective of the 2nd female lead role it's quite justified that she felt like that.
That's just what I think
Moving on acting was good. But writing not that good. Movie could've used some better soundtracks as well. Other than that I liked it.
The sex scenes don't hurt the theme of the movie and don't feel forced. Which is usually the case in most this kind of movies.
It's nothing great but not too bad either.
I recemond it for leisure watching.
That's just what I think
Moving on acting was good. But writing not that good. Movie could've used some better soundtracks as well. Other than that I liked it.
The sex scenes don't hurt the theme of the movie and don't feel forced. Which is usually the case in most this kind of movies.
It's nothing great but not too bad either.
I recemond it for leisure watching.
When I saw the trailer for this film there was something that immediately attracted me to it. Yes the gritty set-in-the 80s look has been done before but seldom as well as this. The setting is bleak, the characters lost in various ways and the only ways out present great danger.
I was immediately drawn to the central characters and was invested in their plight. The film walks a fine line between gratuitous sex and violence and realism perfectly, however the film deviates into a fever dream that I for one loved. I will say that a film that takes as many risks as this will not be for everyone, but that's completely valid. Thank the heavens that there's still someone out there prepared to take the risk, stray from formula and let the audience decide.
I was immediately drawn to the central characters and was invested in their plight. The film walks a fine line between gratuitous sex and violence and realism perfectly, however the film deviates into a fever dream that I for one loved. I will say that a film that takes as many risks as this will not be for everyone, but that's completely valid. Thank the heavens that there's still someone out there prepared to take the risk, stray from formula and let the audience decide.
- trevor-m-byrne
- Jul 7, 2024
- Permalink
Kristen Stewart is a talented performer known for making both good and dreary movies better. Her restlessness and unquiet presence draw audiences in, making her a captivating character. In her latest film, "Love Lies Bleeding," Stewart plays Lou, a small-town loner in New Mexico, who yearns to escape a classic dead end. In the '80s, Lou works in a gym, where she spends her time fixing jalopies and slipping steroids. A beautiful stranger named Jackie (played by Katy O'Brian) catches Lou's eye, setting the movie on an incendiary path. The movie features violence, guns, spooky flashbacks, and a classic villain played by Ed Harris. The film is filled with extravagantly bad hair, rotten teeth, and souls, making it an exciting and captivating experience for viewers. The film also features a classic villain, played by Ed Harris, who delivers a sneer and an epically terrible wig. Overall, "Love Lies Bleeding" is a thrilling and captivating film that showcases Stewart's talent in making movies better and more enjoyable. "Love Lies Bleeding" is a thriller directed by Rose Glass, who has a background in James M. Cain and Jim Thompson novels. The film follows Jackie, a bodybuilder, and Lou, a drifter who meets his kismet at the gym. They connect after the gym closes, and their relationship is marked by a violent confrontation between Jackie and a gym rat. The story quickly heats up as Jackie drifts into town, landing a job to earn money. She crashes with Lou, who is eager for Jackie to stay. Lou remains super-jumpy and wary, and Stewart gives her character a tremulous energy that vibrates in her every look, gesture, and head bob. Glass borrows liberally but not mindlessly, taking familiar themes and clichés like romantic doom and family trauma and playfully bending them to her purposes. She upends the heterosexual coupling that powers many movies, including gun-crazed noirs where violence is sex (and vice versa). Glass deploys her allusions and, with her two beautifully synchronized leads, distills what's pleasurable from them while leaving behind old ugly ideas about women. The film is enjoyable because it uses dark and oh-so-sweet elements, with the greatest danger and thrill being finally love. Glass looks back and she looks forward, going dark and oh-so-sweet in a thriller where the greatest danger and thrill is finally love.
- moviesfilmsreviewsinc
- Jul 19, 2024
- Permalink
- kikiclogwyni
- Apr 21, 2024
- Permalink
I'm was not a fan of Christen Stewart before seeing thus movie. However, the beauty of acting is forgetting the actor and seeing the character, which I totally did.
The lust and visceral energy in this movie is difficult to describe and uncomfortable to experience (as a middle aged man) but still highly engaging and entertaining.
I can't quite put my finger on why I loved this movie so much, which is probably why I loved this movie so much.
I think it's going to be one of those films that devides audiences (yes, I've read a few reviews). The old cliche applies, you'll either love it or hate it.
For me personally it is an expression of what love actually is!
The lust and visceral energy in this movie is difficult to describe and uncomfortable to experience (as a middle aged man) but still highly engaging and entertaining.
I can't quite put my finger on why I loved this movie so much, which is probably why I loved this movie so much.
I think it's going to be one of those films that devides audiences (yes, I've read a few reviews). The old cliche applies, you'll either love it or hate it.
For me personally it is an expression of what love actually is!
- nufc_geordie
- Sep 24, 2024
- Permalink
A24 delivers again, a movie that is going to make you go "What did I just watch!?" and that's classic A24 i guess. You may/may not like the film, but you'll surely talk about it. Kristen Stewart and Katy o'Brian were fantastic in this "dark and gritty", "romantic-thriller-drama" film (that is not family friendly, for obvious reasons which you'll either find unnecessary for the plot to move or might feel like they were absolute value ads to the chemistry between the lead) that has some amazing sound design, commentary on female empowerment, and some elements of....fiction...? With an ending that's surely going to have you asking questions and coming up with your own interpretation of what you just saw.
Watch it if you like A24 content!
Watch it if you like A24 content!
- TreeFiddy53
- Aug 20, 2024
- Permalink
I anticipate this review might receive some criticism, as all I seem to be encountering are overwhelmingly positive appraisals for the movie. Do I need to be under the influence of something to comprehend it, because the ending struck me as the most absurd thing I've ever witnessed in a film?
First and foremost, Katy O'Brian-wow. She truly left a remarkable impression with her performance in the movie; it was simply splendid.
As for Kristen Stewart, I'll refrain from commenting, as I believe my silence should convey my thoughts adequately.
Overall, the movie is rather average, lacking any cinematic or theatrical elements of note. It fails to provide entertainment or captivate its audience throughout.
Those who manage to endure the entire film are likely to be greatly disappointed.
In conclusion, it falls short of being commendable. That's my verdict.
First and foremost, Katy O'Brian-wow. She truly left a remarkable impression with her performance in the movie; it was simply splendid.
As for Kristen Stewart, I'll refrain from commenting, as I believe my silence should convey my thoughts adequately.
Overall, the movie is rather average, lacking any cinematic or theatrical elements of note. It fails to provide entertainment or captivate its audience throughout.
Those who manage to endure the entire film are likely to be greatly disappointed.
In conclusion, it falls short of being commendable. That's my verdict.
- rehmankhilji
- Apr 25, 2024
- Permalink
Sadly the film isn't as amazing as I hoped it would be.
The two main characters have great chemistry and the style of the movie is pretty cool but the script is kinda lame. I don't mind a simple story but in this case it felt like there was missed potential somehow. I really expected to love this movie but even though it had some very nice moments and the direction was superb, it was a bit of a letdown.
I feel like there was nothing I could take away from the story - nothing I learned...
And at the same time, even though the style is cool, this type of look and music for a film of this genre is pretty standard these days when it comes to independent films. It's the old "Drive" Nicolas Winding Refn thing from the perspective of a female director. I feel like this type of movie is starting to get a bit old maybe.
This is definitely not a must-see, but you will probably have a good time in the cinema if you are into the trailer.
The two main characters have great chemistry and the style of the movie is pretty cool but the script is kinda lame. I don't mind a simple story but in this case it felt like there was missed potential somehow. I really expected to love this movie but even though it had some very nice moments and the direction was superb, it was a bit of a letdown.
I feel like there was nothing I could take away from the story - nothing I learned...
And at the same time, even though the style is cool, this type of look and music for a film of this genre is pretty standard these days when it comes to independent films. It's the old "Drive" Nicolas Winding Refn thing from the perspective of a female director. I feel like this type of movie is starting to get a bit old maybe.
This is definitely not a must-see, but you will probably have a good time in the cinema if you are into the trailer.
- AntoineMatuttis
- Jul 17, 2024
- Permalink
My first thought was it feels like the gym was depicted in the way someone who doesn't go to the gym imagines the gym is like. Like they watched Pumping Iron instead of visiting the nearest gym. It's like if Pumping Iron was a raunchy, lesbian, blood-soaked psychedelic experience. With a dash of crime family drama.
I found the cinematography of the movies to be quite impressive; it had a captivating aesthetic. Although it's not on an epic scale and mostly unfolds in remote settings, it's mesmerizingly filmed with themes of sex and violence. The characters are pretty good, so were the actors playing them. Kristen Stewart was Kristen Stewart, I think you already know what to expect when you see her in a movie, and I think she was pretty good. It took me a while to realize I recognized Katy O'Brian from The Mandalorian. I loved that she was homeless but still working out; if she can get swole living under a bridge, what's your excuse? Lol.
Theres a huge emphasis on smoking and drugs, it's a pretty big theme and mostly referenced on the radio. The story is alright, there's a love, crime and family drama.
It's quite raunchy. I wasn't expecting that, but I suppose the movie did give off those vibes. I just didn't watch any trailers or anything and went in blind. It also included some other adult/mature content like domestic violence. It's quite gory as well. Initially, it felt like it was penned by a man; I was surprised to learn it was written/directed by a woman afterward. I recall thinking that there will probably be a lot of people commenting on this, expressing their displeasure with how women are portrayed in movies written by men.
The movie had several moments where I thought to myself, well that's taken a weird turn. It gets more weird and weirder the longer in goes. It's really weird that it was common/normal back then to just hit your wife. It was jarring to watch. Franco's character is probably the worst one.
It's also one of those movies where none of the characters are good people, it's just bad people making bad decisions, in the name of love. I didn't really find myself rooting for anyone and l didn't feel particularly attached to the movie as a whole. I feel like it could've been better, and by better I mean more psychedelic, more violent, maybe even disturbing. It's not a movie for everyone, but it's pretty interesting and I enjoyed it. I like it but I don't know if it'll still be on my mind a month from now.
I found the cinematography of the movies to be quite impressive; it had a captivating aesthetic. Although it's not on an epic scale and mostly unfolds in remote settings, it's mesmerizingly filmed with themes of sex and violence. The characters are pretty good, so were the actors playing them. Kristen Stewart was Kristen Stewart, I think you already know what to expect when you see her in a movie, and I think she was pretty good. It took me a while to realize I recognized Katy O'Brian from The Mandalorian. I loved that she was homeless but still working out; if she can get swole living under a bridge, what's your excuse? Lol.
Theres a huge emphasis on smoking and drugs, it's a pretty big theme and mostly referenced on the radio. The story is alright, there's a love, crime and family drama.
It's quite raunchy. I wasn't expecting that, but I suppose the movie did give off those vibes. I just didn't watch any trailers or anything and went in blind. It also included some other adult/mature content like domestic violence. It's quite gory as well. Initially, it felt like it was penned by a man; I was surprised to learn it was written/directed by a woman afterward. I recall thinking that there will probably be a lot of people commenting on this, expressing their displeasure with how women are portrayed in movies written by men.
The movie had several moments where I thought to myself, well that's taken a weird turn. It gets more weird and weirder the longer in goes. It's really weird that it was common/normal back then to just hit your wife. It was jarring to watch. Franco's character is probably the worst one.
It's also one of those movies where none of the characters are good people, it's just bad people making bad decisions, in the name of love. I didn't really find myself rooting for anyone and l didn't feel particularly attached to the movie as a whole. I feel like it could've been better, and by better I mean more psychedelic, more violent, maybe even disturbing. It's not a movie for everyone, but it's pretty interesting and I enjoyed it. I like it but I don't know if it'll still be on my mind a month from now.
- AfricanBro
- Mar 15, 2024
- Permalink
This isn't some jam down your throat gay movie. It's a movie with characters that happen to be gay. As someone who typically gets annoyed by movies that attempt this over the last decade now, I would say it wasn't overwhelming or assertive at all. Straight forward plot, but never getting too predictable. It does a wonderful job of showing fresh exciting love being deconstructed by the realities of life very well.
It was also the perfect length. It never feels like it's dragging on or being rushed.
Acting was above average for today's standards. Nobodies acting got in the way of the plot. Overall decent way to spend an early afternoon.
Expect of heavy sex scenes in the first third or so btw.
It was also the perfect length. It never feels like it's dragging on or being rushed.
Acting was above average for today's standards. Nobodies acting got in the way of the plot. Overall decent way to spend an early afternoon.
Expect of heavy sex scenes in the first third or so btw.
- aidanDpolonsky
- Mar 14, 2024
- Permalink
Really loved how gritty and diabolical a world this delves into. The atmosphere right from the start is fueled by an undercurrent of criminal behavior. Feels like you could scratch the surface and you'll find an illegal activity or at least a questionable past in each of the characters. Performances by Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Anya Baryshnikov, James Franco and Ed Harris light up the screen. They're all raw and dented human beings straddling survival, self preservation and looking for some type of connection that's just out of reach. A fascinating microcosm of dreams, betrayal and needs all rolled into a powder keg of a ticking time bomb of escapism.
- diegelj-63837
- May 9, 2024
- Permalink
Jackie (katy o'brian) is working her way through to vegas, taking odd jobs along the way. She meets up with lou (kristen stewart), and they hit it off right away. They are both pretty tough. Lou's sister is married to an abusive husband (dave franco). So jackie, lou, and her dad (ed harris) decide to take things into their own hands. Some pretty serious violence in this one. Lou wants to stay near her sister, but they probably need to hit the road before the coppers figure things out. Lots going on in this one... but good, if you're okay with all the violence. A very detailed soundtrack list here on imdb. Also a really good double meaning in the title. Is lies a verb, or a noun ? So many ways to take that. Good stuff, but a little rough. You've been warned! Directed by rose glass, who has been nominated for two baftas.
- martinpersson97
- Aug 16, 2024
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I never heard of Rose Glass before, but having seen this, I now am interested to see her debut feature "Saint Maud."
Not to say this is a great film, but it was entertaining for significant portions. It packs a lot into an hour and three quarters; much of it is homages to previous films in the noir and action and suspense genres, and it occasionally veers unexpectedly into fantasy. But much of it was also unnecessary. The amount of focus on women's and particularly Katy O'Brian's bodies and the sex scenes felt surprisingly exploitative for a film written and directed by a woman. As a typical man, I'm not complaining; but as a film buff, we get it, Kristen and Katy fell head over heels in love at first sight, now let's move the story along. There are themes that are so overemphasized in terms of screen time that dark comedy is another genre that would be properly applied to this film, in much the way it applies to things like "Blue Velvet," "Bound" and even "Twin Peaks."
On to the characters and cast. Oscar-nominee Ed Harris is the main villain of the piece, as an owner of both legit and illegal business ventures; and the way he is written, he comes off as more weird than menacing, and cares about his two estranged daughters more than they imply and we would expect for essentially a gangster, but does so in a rather matter-of-fact, low-on-emotion way. This is not one of Harris' better performances. He's there for his star power, but pretty much goes through the motions. Kristen Stewart is fine as one of his daughters and one of the two chief protagonists. Jena Malone is kind of wasted as his other daughter because for the majority of her scenes, her lovely face is obscured by a broken-face appliance. Anna Baryshnikov is annoyingly dull in both overall physical presence and characterization as a ditsy local who has a longtime crush on Stewart, and gets jealous when a new arrival captures Stewart's attention, and I would have preferred to see and hear a lot less of her. Dave Franco is disturbingly creepy as Malone's malignant husband in a way that Harris should have reached but did not.
Then there is Katy O'Brian. As the passing-through-town competitive bodybuilder, she impresses with her muscles, and shines with her vigorous characterization of an adventurer who has a sufficiently addictive personality that she should be less adventurous, for her own good and that of those around her. I've seen her in a few of her minor TV roles but she failed to make an impression that stuck in my mind with any of those, so as strange as it feels to note this for an actor who is already in her mid-thirties, this film felt like a revelation of a new star.
Settings and cinematography were atmospheric but nothing to write home about. Dialog was barely adequate. Plot was just mostly-bad characters behaving rashly, and because the pacing was hectic, it felt like there was an overabundance of their stupid actions. Even the pussycat managed to not be attractive, so I guess the director's vision of grittiness for the environment and the characters worked as she hoped. This movie could easily have run another half hour for how much happened in it, so my stars are for O'Brian, Stewart, and the director's sense to cut it shorter.
Not to say this is a great film, but it was entertaining for significant portions. It packs a lot into an hour and three quarters; much of it is homages to previous films in the noir and action and suspense genres, and it occasionally veers unexpectedly into fantasy. But much of it was also unnecessary. The amount of focus on women's and particularly Katy O'Brian's bodies and the sex scenes felt surprisingly exploitative for a film written and directed by a woman. As a typical man, I'm not complaining; but as a film buff, we get it, Kristen and Katy fell head over heels in love at first sight, now let's move the story along. There are themes that are so overemphasized in terms of screen time that dark comedy is another genre that would be properly applied to this film, in much the way it applies to things like "Blue Velvet," "Bound" and even "Twin Peaks."
On to the characters and cast. Oscar-nominee Ed Harris is the main villain of the piece, as an owner of both legit and illegal business ventures; and the way he is written, he comes off as more weird than menacing, and cares about his two estranged daughters more than they imply and we would expect for essentially a gangster, but does so in a rather matter-of-fact, low-on-emotion way. This is not one of Harris' better performances. He's there for his star power, but pretty much goes through the motions. Kristen Stewart is fine as one of his daughters and one of the two chief protagonists. Jena Malone is kind of wasted as his other daughter because for the majority of her scenes, her lovely face is obscured by a broken-face appliance. Anna Baryshnikov is annoyingly dull in both overall physical presence and characterization as a ditsy local who has a longtime crush on Stewart, and gets jealous when a new arrival captures Stewart's attention, and I would have preferred to see and hear a lot less of her. Dave Franco is disturbingly creepy as Malone's malignant husband in a way that Harris should have reached but did not.
Then there is Katy O'Brian. As the passing-through-town competitive bodybuilder, she impresses with her muscles, and shines with her vigorous characterization of an adventurer who has a sufficiently addictive personality that she should be less adventurous, for her own good and that of those around her. I've seen her in a few of her minor TV roles but she failed to make an impression that stuck in my mind with any of those, so as strange as it feels to note this for an actor who is already in her mid-thirties, this film felt like a revelation of a new star.
Settings and cinematography were atmospheric but nothing to write home about. Dialog was barely adequate. Plot was just mostly-bad characters behaving rashly, and because the pacing was hectic, it felt like there was an overabundance of their stupid actions. Even the pussycat managed to not be attractive, so I guess the director's vision of grittiness for the environment and the characters worked as she hoped. This movie could easily have run another half hour for how much happened in it, so my stars are for O'Brian, Stewart, and the director's sense to cut it shorter.
"Love Lies Bleeding" is endlessly thrilling, unapologetically gruesome, and potently lustful in its perception of love, or in this case, more so in the idea of attachment. Rose Glass immediately develops an identity on a pulsating energy that intensifies as secrets begin to unravel and intertwine with one another, paired with a score that'll find its way beneath your skin. The visual details are addictive. From extreme close up shots enhanced by an accurate, yet sometimes uncomfortable sound design, to a dark red color palette and slower frames of movement to provoke darkness and uneasiness. Due to timely humor and several montage sequences, there's a lighthearted disguise that masks the severity of how exaggerated and ambitious this story actually is. Whether this works or doesn't work is for you to decide, but regardless of how you feel about the story collectively, I'm confident that there's a refreshing surprise for everyone to experience.
- spencermcook
- Jan 20, 2024
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- filmtravel101
- Mar 16, 2024
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