Rose Glass’ 2019 directorial debut Saint Maud proved she is a visionary with a distinctive voice and singular vision. She took what appeared to be a derivative, trope-riddled “religious horror” flick and made something cerebral and subversive. Rather than relying on “jump scare” tactics, she crafted a deeply disturbing character study with a terrifying psychological interior. The grassroots success of Saint Maud rightfully generated a lot of anticipation for her sophomore effort. With Love Lies Bleeding, Glass expands her artistic powers by courting a thematically rich narrative with striking visuals and visceral genre thrills.
Love Lies Bleeding Differs From Saint Maud’s Tone and Style
Love Lies Bleeding upends Saint Maud‘s minimalist approach in service of pulpier, flashier storytelling that never sacrifices substance. Part queer romance, part film noir, and part body horror, the film melds genres and challenges audiences to re-contextualize everything about them. Shifting between moments of steamy eroticism, surrealistic imagery, and shocking violence, the suspense is relentless and palpable. There is also a strong sense of style, setting, and 80s-era aesthetics. Don’t get me started on the MULLETS (SO MANY MULLETS!).
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian Shine in this Queer Crime Romance
By centering the story around queer subjects, Lou and Jackie (played ferociously by Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian), traditional notions about masculinity, sexuality, and gender roles become unraveled. Refreshingly, Lou and Jackie are full-bodied characters whose sexuality never becomes the driving force of the narrative. Their chemistry together is electric, sexy, and dangerous (reminiscent of Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon in 1996’s crime thriller Bound). Stewart is tailor-made for the role, playing a character whose inner vulnerability is masked by her scruffy, hardened exterior. Still, it is O’Brian’s transformative and smoldering breakout turn commanding our attention. Supporting turns from Jena Malone and Ed Harris also dazzle.
From its pulsating score, elements of magic realism, and bold narrative swings, Love Lies Bleeding is at first familiar, and then otherworldly, but always unpredictable. It firmly cements Glass as an exciting new artist to keep a steady eye on as her career evolves.
Hear more on Love Lies Bleeding from Laron Chapman and other Cinematropolis contributors on The Cinematic Schematic Podcast
