Bodybuilding, Bullets and Blood
Love Lies Bleeding has definitely been near the top of my most anticipated films of 2024, so of course I saw it opening weekend. Saw it and was completely enthralled by Rose Glass’ latest feature. This film charges ahead from start to finish, powered by its leads- Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian.
Set in the late 80’s, Lou (Stewart) is an unhappy (but very cool looking) lesbian in a Texas border town, managing a gym filled with bodybuilders. Enter Jackie (O’Brian), a hot bodybuilder with a big perm. Lou is intrigued and soon, she and Jackie are together in that way only lesbians can be. In love after a couple hook ups. But hold up, this is not a romance! Lou’s dad (played by Ed Harris in a menacing mullet wig) is bad news. And Lou’s brother in law (Dave Franco in cheesy mustache AND mullet) is also bad news. And maybe Jackie is bad news? I want to resist spoiling anything and just urge you to see this film which blurs genres. It’s a neo-noir with a bit of western thrown in. It’s funny at times, and has some romance and plenty of sex. The cast (which also includes Jena Malone in yet another awesomely bad hairdo) are firing on all cylinders, but it is Stewart and O’Brian who captivate and smolder as Lou and Jackie.
Y’all, this hit the 20 something lesbian stuff right in the center of the ol’ bullseye.
Rose Glass is a director I adore. Her first feature, Saint Maud, is a masterwork in building tension, with an ending that will stay with you long after the film ends. This second film by Glass cements her place as one of my favorite directors.
What am I excited for next? Late Night with the Devil and also Goran Stolevski’s Housekeeping for Beginners