Ever since I watched the slept on 2019 film Saint Maud, I’ve been anticipating Rose Glass’ next project. It was such a strong debut and I enjoyed the hell out of it, but was pleasantly blown away as to how much of a step up Love Lies Bleeding is. Not just in terms of budget and scope of the narrative, it’s the performances that she gets out of the stacked cast that’s just as impressive.
I can’t say too much about the story without heading into spoiler territory, but let’s just say that it reminded me of your classic American small town neo noir from the late 80’s/early 90’s. The difference being of course is that our protagonist anti heroes are a pair of star crossed lesbian lovers, one of which is an amateur bodybuilder. There’s a strange and seedy underlying darkness as well that reminds me of Lynch, and I have seen comparisons to Wild At Heart which I co-sign. The intensity of their respective romances are similar for sure. It’s always nice to see the old “blood is thicker than water” trope getting flipped on its head as well.
Similar to Saint Maud, there's some heightened reality that is hinted at during the first two acts that comes into fruition during the third. It’s nothing too bonkers and I’m sure some people won’t vibe with it at all, but I was all for it. The “this is our reality, or is it?” style of storytelling has become quite popular again over the last decade or so, and as I mentioned while it works here I don’t know how long it will be until it’s played out.
It's also a massive step up on a technical level. Having another movie based in the 80s will have many rolling their eyes, but all things period related are subtle. No unnecessary needle drops and even though it's a synth score, it's really well done and never on the nose like so many other recent films. In fact, the score is really excellent and parts of it reminded me of Carpenter's Christine (the opening especially). The costume design is also dope (gym clothes), and it's shot and edited really well, without having to SHOW you that it is (you know what I'm saying).
I've got to say though, what I loved most of all was the passion and romance. I've said it before that there's hardly any great sex in today's movies, but thankfully Love Lies Bleeding bucks the hell out of that trend. The sex scenes are handled really well and aren't exploitative in the slightest (contrary to some reviews).
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian are dynamite. They have insane chemistry and I would honestly watch a dozen films with them as star crossed lovers. I mean this isn't the sort of film that will get nominated for awards, but if there was any sort of justice, O'Brian should at the very least be nominated. She crushes here, and her physical and mental transformation it’s impressive. She even stands out amongst the other high level actors like Stewart, Ed Harris, Dave Franco and Jena Malone (always a pleasure) who are by no means in cruise control, and are also doing great work.
Love Lies Bleeding is the definition of some ride or die shit. And if you’ve been lucky enough to ever experience that sort of love then you know what I'm saying. Pretty sure this one will be on my best of list come the end of year. So it’s safe to say that it’s a super solid recommendation from me. Catch it in cinemas while you still can!
FOUR AND A HALF out of FIVE bodies in a canyon.
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