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Kristen Stewart delivers a tour de force performance in Rose Glass’ electrifying thriller, “Love Lies Bleeding.” Set against the backdrop of 1980s New Mexico, the film follows the tumultuous love affair between gym manager Lou (Stewart) and aspiring bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian), igniting a chain of events that spiral into a blood-soaked odyssey of passion and peril.
Glass, known for her acclaimed debut “Saint Maud,” crafts a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends elements of noir, romance, and surrealism. Stewart’s portrayal of the gritty and enigmatic Lou captivates from the start, her character grappling with a mundane existence until Jackie’s arrival injects vibrant energy into her life. O’Brian shines as the determined Jackie, whose pursuit of her dreams intertwines with Lou’s escalating involvement in her father’s criminal world.
Against the backdrop of neon-drenched hedonism and pulsating excess, Glass explores themes of identity, desire, and the dark underbelly of ambition. As Lou and Jackie navigate a treacherous landscape of sex, blackmail, and murder, their bond intensifies, leading to a climax that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
While the film’s graphic imagery and surreal twists may veer into unsettling territory, Stewart and O’Brian ground the narrative with their raw and compelling performances. Stewart’s transformation from aloof gym manager to lovesick protagonist is mesmerizing, while O’Brian embodies Jackie’s relentless determination with fiery intensity.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is a visceral and exhilarating cinematic experience, propelled by its gripping narrative and powerhouse performances. Glass’ deft direction and Stewart’s magnetic presence elevate the film, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping thrillers and unconventional love stories.
