Love Lies Bleeding: A Gripping Dive into Queer Rebellion
Director: Rose Glass
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris.
Rating – 2
Rose Glass's "Love Lies Bleeding" offers a gripping exploration of the queer experience set against the backdrop of an isolated New Mexico desert town in the 1980s. Directed with finesse by Glass and penned in collaboration with Weronika Tofilska, the film dives headfirst into a blood-soaked journey of sex, sinews, and salvation, paying homage to noir classics while defying easy categorization.
At the heart of the film is Kristen Stewart's mesmerizing performance as Lou, the enigmatic lesbian gym manager grappling with her inner demons. Stewart effortlessly captures Lou's internal conflict, delivering a tour-de-force performance that solidifies her as one of the most versatile actors of her generation. Opposite Stewart, Katy O'Brian shines as Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder whose quest for perfection leads her down a treacherous path of self-destruction. O'Brian navigates the complexities of Jackie's infatuation with Lou while pushing her physicality to alarming levels under a steroid-induced trance.
Cinematographer Ben Fordesman captures the sweltering atmosphere of the desert town with sweat-dripped close-ups and shadows that playfully dance in the background. Editor Mark Towns infuses the film with visceral urgency, while composer Clint Mansell's synths add an eerie dimension to the sensory experience.
Glass mines the queer cultural archives, weaving in references and themes that are both unfiltered and provocative. From steamy sex montages set to '80s queer icons to lingering gazes, the film serves as a love letter to queer rebellion, bursting with the exhilaration of retro porno.
Thematic parallels with Glass's previous work, "Saint Maud," are evident as she explores the intersection of pain and pleasure, blurring the lines between the two to disconcerting effect. The film's climax is both satisfying and suggestive, with Glass's distinct body-horror sensibilities shining through.
In conclusion, "Love Lies Bleeding" is a bold and unapologetic exploration of the queer experience that cements Rose Glass's status as one of the most original horror icons in contemporary cinema. With its gripping narrative, stunning performances, and haunting visuals, the film is a must-watch for fans of queer cinema and psychological horror alike.
