After her incredible directorial debut, Saint Maud, a body horror masterpiece, Rose Glass‘s sophomore effort, Love Lies Bleeding was immediately added to my must-watch list.

Glass’s latest is aromantic thriller marking a significant entry in Kristen Stewart‘s filmography, emphasizing her choice for intense, character-driven narratives over mainstream blockbusters. Co-produced by A24 and Film4, this film delves into the complex dynamics of a relationship set against the backdrop of competitive bodybuilding, blending elements of ego, desire, and the American Dream. The plot weaves through the lives of Lou, a reclusive gym manager, and Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder, as they navigate their intense and tumultuous relationship, highlighted by themes of ambition, violence, and redemption​.

Stewart’s casting in Love Lies Bleeding was announced in March 2022, stemming from her admiration for Glass’s previous work, Saint Maud. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Katy O’Brian, who portrays Jackie and underwent six auditions for her first leading role. The presence of actors like Dave Franco, Ed Harris, and Jena Malone further enriches the narrative, bringing a diverse range of characters to the fore. Principal photography for the film took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from June to August 2022, setting the stage for a story that’s as visually engaging as it is emotionally compelling​.

The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, followed by a European premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. It was then released in a limited fashion by A24 in New York City and Los Angeles, before a wider release​.

Love Lies Bleeding stands out not only for its exploration of the seldom-seen world of female bodybuilding but also for its nuanced depiction of a lesbian relationship, steering clear of stereotypical portrayals and instead opting for a raw and gritty examination of human emotions and ambitions.​ (SlashFilm)​.

Love Lies Bleeding is a film that takes a wild ride through the themes of obsession, violence, and romance, with a unique twist that might make you question your own relationship choices. The story centers around Lou, a gym manager with a penchant for the more intense side of love, and Jackie, a bodybuilder whose biceps could probably arm-wrestle their way out of any situation, this movie spins a tale that’s part noir, part romance, and part “what on earth did I just watch?” NO, this isn’t a horror flick, but it sure is a blood soaked thriller. So don’t come at me! It’s also a film that stands out, not only for its exploration of the seldom-seen world of female bodybuilding, but also for its nuanced depiction of a lesbian relationship, steering clear of stereotypical portrayls and isntead opting for a raw and gritty examination of human emotions and ambitions. The casting of O’Brian, a mixed martial artist with a background in competitive bodybuilding, adds authenticity to the depiction of the sport at the heart of the film’s story

At its heart, this film is a love story. Lou and Jackie’s romance blossoms amidst a backdrop of hints at body horror and bulging biceps, serving up a relationship dynamic that’s one part sweet, two parts sweaty, and a sprinkle of steroid-induced rage. It’s a daring mix of genres like a cocktail that’s thrilling, intoxicating, and likely to give you a hangover.

The chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is incredibly strong. Their performances anchor the film’s whirlwind of emotions, from the high of their first encounter to the lows of their, let’s just say, “complicated” relationship dynamics. The film is also a visual and auditory feast, with cinematography and a score that pull you into a world where love is literally a battlefield, and the gym is just as likely a setting for a passionate encounter as it is for a showdown.

I do find the conclusion races to the finish line in a sprint. But even with this mild criticism, the movie manages to be a thrilling ride.

In essence, Love Lies Bleeding is a cinematic flex that shows off Rose Glass’s ability to craft stories that are as complex and compelling as they are outlandishly entertaining. It’s a film that proves love can be both beautiful and bizarre. Spoilers ahead!

Director: Rose Glass
Writer: Rose Glass, Weronika Tofilska
Released March 15, 2024

One of the particularly peculiar parts of the film is Katy O’Brian’s Jackie physically growing at various points in the narrative. A rising bodybuilder, the film delves deep into the character’s obsession with physical strength and the extremes to which she will go to achieve dominance and control. This thematic exploration is symbolically represented through Jackie’s growing physical size throughout the film, an element that serves as a visual metaphor for her internal transformation and the escalating intensity of the narrative.

Jackie’s increase in size can be interpreted in several ways. First, it may symbolize her growing obsession with power. As she becomes physically larger, her desire for control and dominance also expands, mirroring the way obsessions can consume an individual. Her physical transformation is not just about the literal growth of muscles but also about how this growth affects her relationships and moral compass. The steroid use that fuels her physical changes further complicates this, pointing to the destructive nature of her quest for power, highlighting the dangers of relying on artificial means to achieve personal goals.

Additionally, Jackie’s transformation serves as a physical manifestation of the film’s broader themes of violence and control. As she becomes more formidable physically, the violence in her world escalates, suggesting a direct correlation between physical dominance and the cycle of violence. This aspect of her character development underscores the film’s exploration of how power dynamics shift and the lengths to which people will go to maintain or challenge these dynamics.

The portrayal of Jackie’s growing size also challenges traditional gender norms and expectations around femininity and strength. It offers a critique of societal standards that often equate physical strength and aggression with masculinity, presenting a complex female character who defies these norms. Jackie’s journey can thus be seen as a commentary on gender roles and the societal pressures that shape individual identities.

Moreover, the physical transformation of Jackie brings to the forefront the themes of addiction and self-destruction. The reliance on steroids and the pursuit of an unattainable physical ideal speak to broader societal obsessions with body image and the lengths to which individuals will go to conform to or rebel against these ideals. Jackie’s growth, in this sense, symbolizes not just physical change but the perilous path of self-alteration in pursuit of acceptance or power.

While the film is unique for its blend of genres and its exploration of dark themes, Jackie’s physical transformation and its implications stand out as a particularly compelling element. It serves as a critical narrative device that enriches the film’s thematic depth and underscores the complex interplay between physicality, power, and identity.