Rose Glass's 'Love Lies Bleeding' film review: Kristen Stewart stars in lesbian neo-noir thriller
Rose Glass's second feature film 'Love Lies Bleeding' presents Kristen Stewart as Lou, a gym employee estranged from her crime boss father Lou Sr., played by Ed Harris. The film, co-written with Weronika Tofilska, follows Lou's relationship with bodybuilder Jackie, portrayed by Katy O'Brian, in a narrative blending lesbian romance with neo-noir and erotic thriller elements. Set in the 1980s, the story includes working-class characters and explores themes of violence, with Dave Franco appearing as an abusive husband. Glass's direction draws comparisons to films by the Coen brothers and Harmony Korine, while incorporating surreal imagery reminiscent of David Lynch's 'Lost Highway'. The soundtrack features Throbbing Gristle's 1978 track 'Hamburger Lady'. Stewart's performance contrasts with her role in the 2021 Diana biopic 'Spencer', showcasing her in a darker, queer narrative. The film has been described as a gonzo picture combining gross-out comedy with romantic tension. Philippa Snow authored the review for ArtReview.
Key facts
- Rose Glass directed 'Love Lies Bleeding', her sophomore feature film
- Kristen Stewart plays Lou, a gym worker with a crime boss father
- Katy O'Brian portrays bodybuilder Jackie, who becomes Lou's love interest
- Ed Harris appears as Lou Sr., the crime boss father
- Dave Franco plays the abusive husband of Lou's sister
- The film is set in the 1980s and features working-class characters
- The soundtrack includes Throbbing Gristle's 1978 song 'Hamburger Lady'
- The review was written by Philippa Snow for ArtReview
Entities
Artists
- Kristen Stewart
- Rose Glass
- Katy O'Brian
- Ed Harris
- Dave Franco
- Steven Soderbergh
- Channing Tatum
- David Lynch
- Harmony Korine
- Coen brothers
- Griffin Dunne
- Martin Scorsese
- Katharine Hepburn
- Barbara Stanwyck
- Weronika Tofilska
- Philippa Snow
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Repeater
Locations
- Norfolk