Love Lies Bleeding

Love Lies Bleeding is a romantic thriller directed by Rose Glass and features a talented cast including Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris. The film is a collaboration between the United Kingdom and the United States, set to release in 2024.

The story unfolds in a rural New Mexico town in 1989, where Lou, a reclusive gym manager, navigates her complicated relationships with her sister Beth, Beth's husband JJ, and a flirtatious friend named Daisy. When Lou encounters Jackie, a bisexual bodybuilder preparing for a competition in Las Vegas, their romance quickly escalates. As they get closer, the film reveals how Jackie’s use of steroids influences their relationship and leads them into a world of violence and crime.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 20 January 2024 and was released in the United States on 8 March 2024. It will reach UK audiences on 3 May 2024. The response from critics has been largely positive, with the film being recognized as one of the Top Ten Independent Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.

Plot Overview

The plot takes a dark turn when Lou faces the repercussions of her family's criminal past. After an explosive confrontation leads to JJ’s death, Lou and Jackie become entangled in a desperate cover-up. This sets off a chain of events involving deception, violence, and betrayal, culminating in a gripping climax that tests their love and loyalty.

Cast Highlights

• Kristen Stewart as Louise "Lou" Langston, the gym manager.
• Katy O'Brian as Jacqueline "Jackie" Cleaver, the ambitious bodybuilder.
• Jena Malone as Beth Langston, Lou's sister.
• Anna Baryshnikov as Daisy, Lou's friend.
• Dave Franco as JJ, Beth's abusive husband.
• Ed Harris as Lou Langston Sr., Lou's estranged father.

Production Details

The film is produced by A24 and Film4. Principal photography took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, starting in June 2022 and wrapping up in August 2022. Kristen Stewart expressed enthusiasm for working with director Rose Glass, having admired her previous film, Saint Maud.

Box Office and Reception

Upon its release, Love Lies Bleeding earned approximately $12.5 million at the box office. Critics praised the film for its engaging narrative and strong performances, with 94% of reviews being positive on Rotten Tomatoes. On Metacritic, the film scored 77 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Overall, Love Lies Bleeding promises to be a thrilling ride filled with passion, danger, and unexpected twists, highlighting the complexities of love and loyalty against a backdrop of crime and betrayal.