Opening the 20th anniversary of the Glasgow Film Festival is the UK premiere of romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kristen Stewart.
Kristen Stewart plays the protagonist, Lou, who finds herself in a whirlwind relationship. So, yes, it is super, super gay. And incredibly hot.
Gym manager Lou leads a relaxed life in 1980s Albuquerque, New Mexico. Smoking cigs, helping her sister, Beth (Jena Malone), and effortlessly rocking a mullet seem to be the main concerns of her uneventful life. Of course, in the depths of boredom, passion enters her life in the form of budding body builder, Jackie (Katy O’Brian), who saunters into Lou’s gym on route to a competition in Las Vegas.
After a brief check-out in the gym, a shared cigarette outside, and a punch in the face, the two get to know one another amongst the weights… and things quickly become steamy.
The relationship darkens as swiftly as it began, with problems from troublesome pasts and presents settling on the doorstep of Lou and Jackie’s blissful flat. Secrets unfurl, violence ensues, and gore quickly follows. Sexual tension meets with regular old tension as the pair navigate a world of danger, drugs, and love – all with Jackie’s Vegas body-building debut looming in front of them.
The entirety of Love Lies Bleeding sits upon the sheer passion and chemistry of Stewart and O’Brian. Their affection is obvious, and their lust is palpable – this makes for sex scenes better than any in recent memory.
This film, which so cleverly blends the real and the surreal, is never hard to navigate. No matter which way the movie turns; no matter who is splattered in blood or bruised and battered, the connection the two share is streamlined throughout the film – which is essential for the film to make sense. Who would believe you’re crazy from love if they can’t believe you are crazily in love?
The lunacy and sincerity of the rest of the cast is just as crucial and just as successfully pulled off. Dave Franco, who plays JJ, especially sticks the landing on being severely twisted without losing any comedic ability.
That’s one thing Love Lies Bleeding’s trailer did not reveal. This film is hilarious. From drug-induced delusions to candid family, relationship and self-banter, the jokes go blow-for-blow with the violence.
However, what was not a surprise was how good the film looked, and how fantastic it sounded. UK-born director Rose Glass is a fast-growing player, and the reason for her rapidly escalating success is her sheer skill.
The sounds of the world – whether it’s dramatised muscle crunching or genuine smacks of knuckles across faces – electrify your ears. Without the visuals, the film stands solid. However, to not see the action would be another loss entirely. Lit up by artificial reds, enhanced star light, and dusty day-time desert sunshine, Love Lies Bleeding mesmerises with its looks as well as its plot.
However, what is most captivating is the sheer chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian. Sweaty and sensual, Love Lies Bleeding has a strength and slight sleaziness that feels so utterly sincere, largely thanks to their performances.
Glasgow Film Festival goers are in for a treat if the festival is even a scratch as good as its opener. The rest of the U.K. will need to wait until April 19 for the general cinema release. It will be a tough few months, but it will be worth it. Love Lies Bleeding deserves a space at the top of your to-watch list.
Feature image credit: A24
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