Love Lies Bleeding is about nothing but pushing the limits of what one will do for love, personal desire, and coming out on top. The boundaries of love and ambition are tested as Jackie (Katy O’Brian) pursues her passion for bodybuilding while navigating her relationship with Lou (Kristen Stewart). Their connection grows quickly against the backdrop of Lou’s family drama, where secrets and tensions run high. As Jackie delves deeper into Lou’s world, she uncovers a past that threatens their relationship and Jackie’s dream. Through its portrayal of love, desire, and the consequences of choices, the film explores the intricate relationship dynamics and the lengths one will go for personal fulfillment.
The performances in Love Lies Bleeding are not only convincing, but they also elevate the film to another level entirely. Each member of the top-notch cast brings their character to life, with a depth and nuance that is truly remarkable. From subtle gestures to powerful emotional outbursts, the actors deliver performances that resonate long after the credits roll. For instance, in the pivotal scene when Jackie takes what seems to be too many steroids right before a bodybuilding contest, the O’Brian’s raw intensity leaves a lasting impact on what Jackie’s body is going through as it affects her mind and what she sees, showcasing her skill and dedication.
And the chemistry between Lou and Jackie is electric from the moment Jackie walks into the gym where Lou works. From the moment they speak to each other, the relationship skips the friend and get-to-know-you stages and goes straight into an intense relationship that pushes each character’s boundaries. O’Brian and Stewart capture the complex dynamics between Lou and Jackie with remarkable precision, not only giving the viewer personally intense scenes that always drive the narrative forward but also serve as the emotional core of Love Lies Bleeding. Without them, there would be nothing to drive the revenge and desire for the two characters.
To add to the intensity of Lou’s emotions, the film offers quick red flashes of a scene broken up from Lou’s memories of her father’s Lou Sr.’s (Ed Harris) shady business. The red scenes make the audience wonder what happened, causing a need to know how they connect with the present. With each red flashback, a little extra gets revealed, until the end of the film, where the viewer leans exactly what happened. The mood of each shot immerses the viewer in feeling as though something in the film is sinking alongside the slow unraveling of Lou’s past, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and unease as the pieces of her history with her dad come together to shape the present narrative.
To help add to the characters’ raw emotion, they need costumes that speaks to who they are. After interviewing the film’s costume designer, Olga Mill, the way each costume she talked about came to life on the big screen was incredible. Lou’s jacket has red fabric on the inside. Mill described that the decision came out of nowhere, but, in the end, it suited the character perfectly because it reflects Lou’s emotional depth and complexity. This detail adds a layer of symbolism, suggesting hidden passion or turmoil beneath her outward appearance. The red lining becomes a very subtle yet powerful visual cue, hinting at the deeper narrative of Lou’s past and her present struggles. It’s a small but impactful design choice that underscores the meticulous attention to detail in the film’s costume design, enhancing the overall storytelling experience for the audience.
But with all the film’s highs, the highly-anticipated scene confrontation between Lou and Lou Sr. ultimately falls short, lacking the impactful resolution viewers want. While the constant red flashbacks of Lou Sr.’s illegal business add depth to the plot, the final confrontation feels rushed and incomplete. The glimpses of his business leave the viewer wanting to see more of Lou Sr. and get on his level of thinking, but it’s never really played out. The ending of Love Lies Bleeding fails to round out this narrative thread, leaving Lou Sr.’s illegal business unresolved. The scene brings out a transformation in Jackie that comes out of nowhere, while adding nothing to the plot except more quality visuals. An additional 10 minutes could have provided the necessary depth to explore these elements further and deliver a more satisfying conclusion.
Before the climactic confrontation between Lou and her father, the narrative of Love Lies Bleeding becomes fragmented, particularly during a scene where Lou threatens her father over the phone. The sudden appearance and disappearance of the FBI, coupled with Lou’s newfound confidence in her father’s world, create a disjointed transition that detracts from the film’s momentum. While the moment symbolizes Lou’s transformation, it lacks the necessary development to fully resonate with the audience. If these plot and character elements got 10 extra minutes of exploration, it would allow for the film’s pacing in the second half to match the first half—a fast, intense, yet well-paced tone.
However, even without the timing tweak, the film, co-written and directed by Rose Glass, nails every other aspect. Love Lies Bleeding masterfully intertwines personal and impulsive drama to craft a narrative that is both fast-paced and emotionally charged. At its core, the film revolves around the turbulent romance between Lou and Jackie, whose passionate relationship serves as the driving force behind much of the action. The film balances moments of intense intimacy with explosive confrontations, creating a sense of urgency that keeps viewers on the edge to see how Lou and Jackie can take their relationship from here.
Love Lies Bleeding explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, and despite the fast-paced drama that unfolds, it never quite goes into the realm of an action film. Instead, it focuses on the characters’ internal struggles and emotional journeys, ensuring that every moment feels authentic and grounded.
