Love Lies Bleeding (2024) User Reviews

A love that bleeds

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 23 March 2024]

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.

Mesmerizing to watch.

[AfricanBro · 7/10 · 16 March 2024]

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.

Worth the time

[aidanDpolonsky · 7/10 · 15 March 2024]

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.

Thelma & Louise On Steroids

[stevendbeard · 6/10 · 18 March 2024]

I saw Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kristen Stewart-Charlie's Angels_2019, Snow White and the Huntsman; Katy O'Brian-The Mandalorian_tv, Black Lightning_tv; Dave Franco-The Disaster Artist, the Now You See Me movies and Ed Harris-Westworld_tv, Geostorm.

This is a lesbian love story that kind of reminded me of Thelma & Louise on steroids. Kristen is the daughter of Ed, who owns several businesses, including a gym that Kristen manages. Kristen and Ed do not get along because of Kristen's mother, who disappeared 12 years ago-Kristen thinks Ed had something to do with her leaving. Dave is married to Kristen's sister and is an abusive husband. Katy is passing through town on her way to a bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas and gets a job at one of Ed's other businesses, a gun shooting range. Katy and Kristen-who is a lesbian-get together. It seems that Katy likes men & women, and decides to help Kristen out by taking care of Dave, as a favor-remember, Dave is abusive-but takes it too far. Secrets are uncovered, as the police close in and things get a little weird at the end.

It's rated R for violence, grisly images, language, drug use and sexual content-including nudity-and has a running time of 1 hour & 44 minutes.

It's not one that I would buy on DVD but if you are into bodybuilding, it would be alright to stream.

A pulsating romance thriller

[spencermcook · 6/10 · 21 January 2024]

"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.

Freaky crime thriller with squalid surroundings and a celestial soundtrack

[PotassiumMan · 8/10 · 23 March 2024]

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.

another gem from Rose Glass

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 13 March 2024]

Greetings again from the darkness. The first feature film from writer-director Rose Glass was delayed almost two years due to COVID, but when SAINT MAUD hit in 2021, we knew immediately she was a filmmaker to watch. Along comes her second feature, co-written with Weronika Tofilska, and as a rare lesbian neo-noir, it's sexy and violent and stylishly filmed ... confirming Glass as one to follow.

To ensure that every viewer knows that glitz and glamour will not be featured, we are introduced to Lou (Kisten Stewart) as her gloved hand is elbow deep in a clogged toilet at the gym she manages. The gym is filled with sweaty bodies pumping iron, and Lou looks on mostly disinterested, save for gym rat Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov, Misha's daughter) who is obsessed with Lou thanks to their previous amorous interactions. Though Daisy is smitten, Lou is clearly disinterested, while being as nice as possible. As one lonely heart looking for love, Lou's eyes light up when she spots drifter Jackie (Katy O'Brian, "The Mandalorian") working out one evening. Jackie is making her way to Las Vegas to compete in a bodybuilding competition, and she and Lou hit it off that first night.

The film is set in the late 1980's in some nowhere town in New Mexico, where nefarious doings are the only path to survival. In fact, the most nefarious of the bunch is Lou's father, Lou Sr (Ed Harris). Sporting shoulder length hair that gives him a "Tales from the Crypt" aura, Lou Sr runs a shooting range, while also running guns across the border, and in an unusual choice for a hobby, he collects live bugs. As the local crime lord, Lou Sr has a favorite spot for dumping the bodies of those who cross him.

One other local scumbag on display here is JJ (Dave Franco), husband to Lou's sister Beth (the great Jena Malone). JJ is a world class wife-beater and the source of much angst for Lou ... this despite Beth's constant willingness to forgive her husband, due to her fear of being alone. JJ is the lowest form of life, and when he puts Beth in the hospital, it sends Lou into emotional turmoil, which in turn forces her new lover Jackie to turn She-Hulk, and flash the dark side from her past.

Just about anything that can go wrong for these folks, does. It's an endless stream of bad luck, bad decisions, and just plain bad; however, it's mesmerizing to watch. We see a four-way battle: guns versus muscles versus love versus inner-strength. Some characters get what they deserve, while others just wallow in the mess. Daisy shows she is not as ditzy as she seems once she gains leverage, yet she also proves she's not as clever as she thinks.

The performances here are quite fun to watch - Stewart, (especially) O'Brian, Harris, Baryshnikov, and Malone are all superb, and bring heft to an already creative and heavy-duty story. The score from Clint Mansell is a perfect fit, and Rose Glass's film bears a slight tonal resemblance to the Coen Brothers' classic BLOOD SIMPLE (1984). As in that one, the characters here often zig when we assume they will zag, and though the final act likely jumps the shark for some viewers, there is so much good here, that it prepares us for Glass's future visions.

In theaters beginning March 15, 2024.

Refreshing take on action thriller

[bmcmullan-27253 · 10/10 · 23 January 2024]

Fantastic movie, great cast. Actors delivered. I left the film asking myself, "is this a new story or have we just ignored queer stories for so long?" I was thrilled to see a movie centered on queer love without the typical tropes of people caring whether the town or family accepted their sexuality. I found myself covering my eyes more than Saltburn at the gore, twists, and energizing perspective on FEMALE POWER. This movie is purposeful in its dialogue and shots. Jam packed with addiction, obsession, and most intriguing, hope. Grab some popcorn, enjoy the desert starry sky and go watch this film!

Great cinematography, unrealistic writing

[minifiecw · 6/10 · 24 March 2024]

A24 strikes again!

The cinematography is very good. Great use of lighting and color, and even the editing is excellent. Plus, of course, Ed Harris delivers another fantastic performance.

In spite of these things, the people behind me are chatting and I'm sitting here in the theater writing this. Bottom line is: the writing is bad. Even though it's a cool story, a lot of the characters' behaviors are nonsensical, and the dialogue is just weird, which really takes the audience out of it.

Plus the romantic story arc I think undermines some of the other cool elements of the film-like the world building and strong female leads. In spite of the action and strength the characters portray, it is the love arc that seems very unbelievable and forced, and I feel like I'm watching fan fiction.

Good music tho.

Average with a ridiculous ending

[rehmankhilji · 4/10 · 26 April 2024]

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.

Thrilling, clever & sapphic

[codyfernfan · 8/10 · 17 March 2024]

This movie has a great mix of gore, sex appeal, LGBT representation, some comedic/ironic/"badass" elements and portrayal of government corruption. The scenery of this film, which is authentically in New Mexico, is rogue but stunning. I didn't even know that Kristen Stewart would be in this (I didn't watch the trailer), but I think she's really suited for this kind of role. Her natural obliviousness coincides with her character's history of exhaustion and complacency amidst her chaotic familial and environmental challenges. Lou's father is brilliantly terrifying, a realistic depiction of the characters found in the modern day "wild West". The main actress shines in her versatile depiction of a lively queer woman of color struggling with the causes and effects of her bodybuilding and PED use. Well done!

Sex, weightlifting, and violence

[RegalsReelView · 6/10 · 29 March 2024]

Lou manages a quiet town gym while avoiding her past and her father. Things are dull and routine until a stranger joins the gym, Jackie. Lou and Jackie hit it off, and it's all sex, working out, and getting Jackie ready for the national bodybuilding competition. Everything goes splendidly until Jackie goes off the rails and does something that thrusts Lou back into her dark, mysterious past and her father's life.

This is another A24 film that will leave you wondering what you just watched. The movie is intriguing, has lots of sex, and is full of WTF moments. The movie gets right to the point. This could be it if you want something different or are an A24 fan. Otherwise, you can skip it.

Trippy story that borderlines on surreal then stupid finale

[filmtravel101 · 5/10 · 17 March 2024]

This is one of those type of films that is going to be very controversial as it is a director that has loads of talent yet the script writing is just not up to par.

The acting is very good by all leads with some supporting cast that are marginal but the cinematography and scenes plus music is captivating enough to keep you intrigued. The chemistry between leads are realistic and the lesbian element is not noticeable enough to distract as there is a lot going on in this film.

However the finale is just plain absurd almost borderline bad bizarre like it belongs to another film. It's unfortunate as there was so much wonderful suspense but it went in a direction that was laughable where most in the theatre gasped at the ludicrous image of an Attack of the 50' Giant Steroid Women. Yes it's that kinda crazy so be prepared for a wild ride that's campy and rare to see these days yet not everyone's cup of tea either. I'm looking forward to next film from this director and would like to see her direct someone else script as she reminds one of Refn N - Demon type filmmaker in the rough.

5 stars for Stewart and Malone - but it could have been a 8-9 if not for silly ending.

Late-Cold War dirty realism neo noir-lite pleasantly succeeds

[LikeallHungarians · 6/10 · 15 March 2024]

I almost rated this movie a 7. It spoke to me, although objectively I have to consider it only as above average.

First off, the costumery and mis-en-scene is great. The outfits and the hairstyles (sure, also the soundtrack) were really all that makes this movie count as a period piece--other than a mention of the Berlin Wall, and I suppose the subject of (female) bodybuilding (and the drugs that entails), lending this neo-noir certain Cold War themes about power being destructive--but that was totally worth it. And the "Nevada" (shot in New Mexico) suburban desert buildings--besides evoking for me a sort of Southern California I look at romantically--complete the imagery for a dirty realism text in 2024(!).

The director knows how to compose scenes. Even when the writing doesn't quite hold up, the lines being said are just enough, the pacing is taught enough, and the photography is dynamic enough to convey the idea/emotion.

Which does bring me to the denouement: while initially jarring, I ultimately had to consider it as working. Risking intentional fallacy, I can understand a director/writer who crafts this sort of screenplay nowadays and knows that it can never end well for two starcrossed lovers caught in a crime spree under the modern U. S. criminal-justice system; so why not (as a postmodernist) just embrace the fact that this is cinema, that we want to see the happy ending, and to have fun with it? The seriousness is taken out of the plot, but for those in the theater laughing at what they consider camp--and, sure, the acting isn't always perfect, as the leads can't quite perform up to that responsibility, and Ed Harris plays a bit cartoonishly, and the "psycho girlfriend" character overacts (only Jena Malone really delivers a consistently good performance)--we can only surmise that they have never been caught in love with someone for whom there is a mutual, essential, inescapable danger, and that is the theme this picture surely succeeds in conveying.

A Steroid Injected Thriller

[njrmbm · 6/10 · 22 March 2024]

There were a couple of fantastical steroid induced fever dream moments I wish hadn't been there, as I felt they took me out of such a dark and serious thriller, but generally an entertaining movie. Kristen Stewart has come a long way since the Twilight saga. She's proven many times over to be a talented actress. Haven't seen Ed Harris in quite a while. He's one of those actors you could hand a shopping list to and be entertained. A few cool flashbacks soaked in red light didn't hurt the film at all, but as mentioned, a few of the steroid moments went too far for me. Still, I mostly enjoyed this. If you like thrillers, check it out.

A fun pulpy thriller

[hayzinj · 9/10 · 9 March 2024]

I was intrigued by the trailer for this film, especially due to the cast, the tone and the fact that it was an A24 film. The film itself has a mysterious energy and tone from the very beginning, felt like a throwback pulp thriller. Definitely delivered on what it set out to do. Kristen, Katy, Anna, Ed and Dave all delivered on their roles. The chemistry between Kristen and Katy is top notch and gives a certain freshness to a lesbian relationship and power dynamic in film. It keeps you right on the edge and then as it starts to unravel it draws you in even more. Honestly I wish that there were more original films like this being made.

Throbbing...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 27 April 2024]

Living in a place, during a time that's clearly dated, where misogyny is rife, difference barely tolerated, then Daisy walks right in, to your place of work a gym, and your future's redefined, as two worlds collide your mated. As you'd suspect there are some hurdles then presented, and your friend soon shows how rage and fury's vented, causes problems with a parent, after one's left incoherent, while she's living in a world, that's clearly been augmented. It all takes us to a showdown and a climax, where events of some years past come out of the cracks, and it will not leave you bored, though not as good as mad Saint Maud, though there's violence, kicks, punches, and some big whacks.

Wonderfully surprising

[apereztenessa-1 · 8/10 · 17 March 2024]

I went into Love Lies Bleeding expecting to watch just another thriller, maybe with a dash of feminism and lgbtq rights, for taste. What was my surprise when I discovered a real movie.

Love Lies Bleeding is one of those movies that catches you from the beginning and never lets you go. Is the filmmaking style a bit excessive? Yes. Sometimes almost inelegant? Yes. It uses a few too many tricks a little too frequently. But the result remains captivating, diving into the world of female body builders while mixing film genres and cinematographic styles, to create a unique film. One that, by the way, is genuinely feminist and lgbtq in an original and authentic way.

Kirsten Stewart is outstanding, confirming her as one of the greatest talents in Hollywood today.

I thought someone threw chocolate milk on Stewart

[griffithxjohnson · 7/10 · 26 March 2024]

Some strange scenes but with a familiar pulpy tone in the vain of Tarantino & Cohen. Overacted yet has lots of wild moments that carry stressful intensity. Themes are clearly presented without feeling forced.

. .

. Some strange scenes but with a familiar pulpy tone in the vain of Tarantino & Cohen. Overacted yet has lots of wild moments that carry stressful intensity. Themes are clearly presented without feeling forced.

. .

. Some strange scenes but with a familiar pulpy tone in the vain of Tarantino & Cohen. Overacted yet has lots of wild moments that carry stressful intensity. Themes are clearly presented without feeling forced.

Story Lies Bleeding

[dtswpod · 3/10 · 14 April 2024]

I liked this film okay but once the ending happens I laughed so hard. And I don't think the filmmakers had that response in mind. I won't give away why I laughed but if you see it, you'll know exactly when I did. For those who haven't seen it let me put it this way, think Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.

Honestly, if there is an award for movie most unsure how to end, this flick is a shoo in to win. I can't imagine what the director was thinking.

But beyond that really dumb conclusion , its a fine picture. Not great. Certainly not awesome but fine. If you can sit through a movie adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel, then you can sit through this.

Love Lies Bleeding is a LGBTQ Revenge Story, A24 is weird but it's excellent

[kmkevinn-64733 · 9/10 · 10 March 2024]

One female is a bodybuilder, another female has a criminal family does the job perfectly. Ed Harris from "TOP GUN MAVERICK" does an phenomenal job for his role as LOU SR. There is a quote which I'll probably share this. "Only love can bleed forever; only love has endless blood. Only love's slender drooping tassels can bleed yet grow stronger, bleed yet grow brighter; redder, redder, never spent, never phantasmal-gray. Maybe, if it only gets kicked, then love is love-lies-dented" A24 Is a studio company I truly love and especially when MAXXINE comes out as soon as possible I'm predicting that It is in this phantasmagorically corporeal obsession that Glass reveals the shared DNA of "Saint Maud" and "Love Lies Bleeding," which are both about the twisted expansiveness of the female imagination, and whether or not that can transcend reality.

Rose Glass's Love Lies Bleeding is a refreshing throwback -- not only in its beautifully set in the 1980s setting but in its general willingness to embrace its identity.

Love Lies Bleeding offers enough redeeming qualities to warrant a watch, but its failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion diminishes its impact

[kevin_robbins · 7/10 · 21 March 2024]

My wife and I watched Love Lies Bleeding (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline follows a young woman who manages a gym in her small hometown. Meanwhile, a desperate homeless hitchhiker with dreams of becoming a bodybuilder arrives in town and forms a relationship with the gym manager. Their seemingly perfect life is disrupted when the manager's brother-in-law severely beats his wife, sparking a tale of revenge that spirals into deeper complexities.

Written and directed by Rose Glass (Saint Maude) and starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Anna Baryshnikov (Dickinson), Ed Harris (Needful Things), Dave Franco (Neighbors) and Katy O'Brian (The Mandalorian).

This movie excels in so many ways. The cast is impeccably chosen, and the costumes and portrayal of the 80s era are magnificent. The entire ensemble looks wild, especially Ed Harris. The film maintains a dark, gritty atmosphere reminiscent of a Netflix serial killer docuseries. The cinematography stands out with its elite camera angles, use of colors, and character delivery. The acting, particularly by Stewart, is outstanding, and the well-written storyline unveils deep subplots that are compelling. There's an opening toilet scene that almost made me gag, lots of pricks and the action scenes were intense and so well done. The corpses are awesome too. I will say the sex scenes were a bit much and overdone and the ending was a HUGE letdown. They took some liberties with the ending that was eye rolling and left me wondering why that was Glass' direction.

In conclusion, Love Lies Bleeding offers enough redeeming qualities to warrant a watch, but its failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion diminishes its impact. I would rate it a 6.5/10 and recommend see it at least once.

Empty Drivel

[Thecritic8282 · 1/10 · 31 March 2024]

Why the positive reviews? Well, it seems like it's rigged in favor of anyone who happens to be of the fairer sex, can hold a camera in their hands and yell "action."

C'mon everyone, are we serious? The protagonist turns into The Incredible Hulk after 2 hours of grotesque violence, graphic sex with no heart, and vapid dialogue, that would make even Mr. Rogers cringe.

What has happened to film over the past three years? Politics full stop.

I don't usually have such visceral reactions to films this intensely, but Love Lies Bleeding is by far one of the worst I've seen in my entire life. Full stop, it caters to a warped idealogy that tears down the expression of true art. I've seen lifetime movies better than this empty plot.

Now, the "auteur" here is no Kathryn Bigelow. Glass has nothing to say. The dialogue was contrived and profane for no reason. Soapy even. The protagonist was very unlikable. The sex scenes did nothing to entice me to keep watching. Ed Harris' character was cartoonish at best. It was a 2 hour weird for weird sake film that holds no social significance other than to scream "I am an angry female who can kill men, hear me roar! Blue is the Warmest Color (a fabulous film I might add) it was not!

Finally, what stands out as the worst part of this film is that it tries to be daring when in reality we've seen the same empty nonsense in other female driven screenplays: Saltburn, Nomadland etc. Characters with little to no personality. Man-hating female leads. Again, no imagination.

Strong lead performances in off-kilter crime drama

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 17 March 2024]

As "Love Lies Bleeding" (2024 release; 104 min) opens, we are introduced to Lou, who manages a gym. Visiting the gym is Jackie, who is making her way to a bodybuilding competition in Vegas. Lou and Jackie immediately click and hit it off. In a parallel story, we get to know Lou's sister Beth, who is married to J. J., an up to no good loser. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the second film by up-and-coming British director Rose Glass ("Saint Maud"). Here she dives head-on into a crime drama the likes if which you have not seen much before. The movie is super plot-heavy so the less said about that, the better. I will comment that the movie benefits tremendously from the strong lead performances by Kirsten Stewart (as Lou) and Katie O'Brian (as Jackie). Stewart couldn't be further away from the Twilight movies, and couldn't be happier. Ed Harris has a smaller but still juicy part as Lou's father. But in the end the credit for this film must go to Rose Glass, who brings us something off-kilter, but with great result.

"Love Lies Bleeding" premiered at this year's Sundance film festival, to immediate critical acclaim. There is good reason why this movie is currently rated 92% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The Sunday matinee screening where I saw this at today was not attended well. Exactly 1 other person besides myself (a "half private" screening). If you are in the mood for an off-kilter crime drama with strong lead performances, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Everything I hoped Drive Away Dolls would have been

[nowayseattle · 9/10 · 20 March 2024]

I went to this movie not knowing anything about it. I left with a smile on my face. It was highly entertaining. I found just about every aspect of this film perfect. The acting was believable, and the casting was brilliant. The characters were highly likable, even when they were doing absolutely horrible things. It is a story of love, hate, revenge, fear, courage, and steroid abuse. There are many lessons to be learned from this movie. I highly suggest taking the time to see it in the theater, on the big screen. It felt like a Tarantino/Coen movie.

Kristen Stewart is absolutely brilliant. You really feel for her character, and all she has been through.

Katy O'Brian is a monster, she deserves an Oscar for this film.

9/10 stars, highly recommended.