Love Lies Blooding Odyssey: Rihanna’s melodic anthem “We Found Love” could echo the sentiments of the film “Love Lies Blooding,” a tale set in the desolate, gritty backdrop of Kristen Stewart‘s unconventional romance.
Premiering at Sundance under the A24 banner, the film immerses viewers in the raw narrative of two women whose connection ignites amidst a brawl, intertwining not just with each other but with the allure of muscle-enhancing, mind-altering steroids.
Stewart, shedding her Princess Diana image, embodies the rugged Lou, the no-nonsense front-desk attendant of a decrepit roadside gym in her dreary hometown. The audience’s first glimpse of Lou involves her unclogging a toilet—with her bare hands, as plungers seem a luxury in 1989 New Mexico.
Estranged from her father, the sinewy Lou Sr. (played by Ed Harris with a Riff Raff vibe from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), a shooting range owner with covert ties to local crime, Lou’s mundane life takes a turn when Jackie (Katy O’Brian), an impoverished hitchhiker with dreams of bodybuilding glory, arrives.
Lou, fueled by desire, offers Jackie not just a bed but also an introduction to steroids, initiating a romance that unfolds for those aged 17 and above.
Directed by Rose Glass, known for “Saint Maud,” the film fearlessly depicts violence, abuse, and extreme bodily aspects, pushing some to deem it gratuitous. Yet, these elements vividly paint the unsavory world, elevating the tension within the plot.
Warning: The film delves into needles, point-blank shootings, and an unconventional depiction of intimacy, offering a unique perspective rarely witnessed while enjoying Twizzlers.
In a monster-movie fashion, Glass incorporates fantasy sequences where Jackie’s muscles grotesquely bulge, reminiscent of Natalie Portman’s transformation in “Black Swan.”
While “Love Lies Bleeding” holds elements of a small-town-secrets movie and a corruption thriller, the casting of Dave Franco against type as JJ, the tumultuous husband of Lou’s sister, Beth (Jena Malone), adds a layer of complexity. Their stormy marriage becomes a potential powder keg, threatening Lou and Jackie’s newfound connection.
Stepping away from her “Twilight” days, Stewart’s ability to portray infatuation shines, exuding a magnetic “I’d die without you” aura. O’Brian’s portrayal of Jackie, with wild eyes hinting at both tenderness and potential danger, propels the narrative like a runaway train.
Beyond a few unsettling moments, the movie transforms into an exhilarating joyride, though lacking in profound depth. Sundance audiences may seek a message in the themes of LGBTQ+ representation, misogyny, drugs, spousal abuse, and law enforcement misconduct. However, these elements coalesce into a captivating story, not a preachy TED Talk.
FAQ About Love Lies Blooding Odyssey
Who is the cast of the next Love Lies Bleeding movie?
- Kristen Stewart as Lou.
- Katy O’Brian as Jackie.
- Dave Franco as JJ.
- Jena Malone as Beth.
- Anna Baryshnikov as Daisy.
- Orion Carrington as O’Riley.
- Catherine Haun as Gym Woman.
- Jerry G. Angelo as Mikey.
Where was Love Lies Bleeding filmed?
Set against the iconic backdrop of New Mexico, the film artfully utilizes unseen elements to cultivate a suspenseful atmosphere, capturing the essence of Americana within its cinematography.
Who did Kristen Stewart marry?
Kristen Stewart and screenwriter Dylan Meyer have been in a relationship since August 2019. Stewart confirmed their engagement in November 2021, marking a significant milestone in their partnership
How old was Kristen Stewart when she made Twilight?
At 18, Kristen Stewart portrayed 17-year-old Bella Swan in “Twilight.” The narrative unfolds as Bella relocates from Phoenix, Arizona, to Forks, Washington, to reside with her father.
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