Love Lies Bleeding Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gym manager and a bodybuilder fall in love, leading to steroid-fueled rage, a massive cover-up, and one very awkward family dinner where the worst marital secret is revealed.

🍿 Love Lies Bleeding: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Budding Romance

In 1980s New Mexico, Lou, a gym manager, meets Jackie, a bodybuilder passing through town on her way to a competition in Las Vegas. Their initial meeting sparks an intense attraction, leading to a passionate romance. Lou provides Jackie with steroids, deepening their bond but also setting them on a dangerous path. Their relationship quickly intensifies, marked by strong physical and emotional connection.

Criminal Entanglements and Violence

The relationship between Lou and Jackie is soon complicated by Lou’s family, particularly her criminal father, Lou Sr. Jackie’s violent tendencies, amplified by steroid use, lead to severe consequences when she murders JJ, the abusive husband of Lou’s sister, Beth. This act of violence plunges Lou and Jackie deeper into a criminal underworld, forcing them to make increasingly desperate decisions. Lou helps Jackie cover up the crime, setting off a chain of events that escalate the danger.

Betrayal and Confrontation

As Lou and Jackie try to navigate the aftermath of JJ’s murder, they face betrayal from multiple sides. Lou Sr. becomes a major threat, attempting to manipulate and control the situation for his own benefit. Daisy, a persistent admirer of Lou, becomes entangled in their affairs, leading to further complications. The situation intensifies as the FBI investigates Lou Sr.’s criminal activities, putting additional pressure on Lou and Jackie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lou (Kristen Stewart): A reclusive gym manager entangled in her criminal family’s dealings, who falls for a bodybuilder and spirals into violence.
• Jackie (Katy O’Brian): An ambitious bodybuilder with a hidden past whose love for Lou unleashes a rage-fueled protector.
• Lou Sr. (Ed Harris): Lou’s estranged father, a ruthless crime boss whose illegal operations endanger his daughter.
• JJ (Dave Franco): A violent and abusive husband who becomes a catalyst for the film’s descent into crime and chaos.
• Beth (Jena Malone): Lou’s sister and JJ’s wife, trapped in a cycle of abuse and fear.
• Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov): An obsessed gym rat, also having intimate relation with Lou, who inserts herself into Lou’s affairs with disastrous consequences.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lou: “I fucking love you, you idiot.” – Said in the trailer, capturing the raw and intense nature of Lou’s feelings for Jackie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9 million
• Domestic Gross: $8.3 million
• Worldwide Gross: $12.8 million

💥 Love Lies Bleeding Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, wow, this movie was a trip. I went in expecting a crime thriller, and I got that, but also so much more. Katy O’Brian’s performance blew me away; she was a powerhouse. Kristen Stewart was solid, though sometimes I felt like she was just being Kristen Stewart. The ending… let’s just say it’s something you have to see to believe. Overall, if you’re looking for something different and aren’t afraid of a little weirdness, give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Those who appreciate dark, gritty thrillers”
  • “Admirers of Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong sexual content and nudity”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Language”
  • “Domestic violence”

Professional Reviews

• Showbiz Junkies: “Rose Glass creates an unsettling, yet stylish neo-noir crime thriller. Stewart delivers a raw portrayal, while O’Brian shines as Jackie. It delves into destructive desires and violence, though the plot can be uneven. Bold cinematography and a pounding score enhance the experience. A worthwhile watch for those seeking unconventional thrillers, but be prepared for a wild ride.
• ScreenDaily: “A twisted romance that blends genres. The movie has moments of pure brilliance in its acting but falls flat at the end with a lack of direction. While it had a potential of being fantastic, in many way it fails to live up to the potential.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography was quite impressive and had a captivating aesthetic.: Most agreed the movie wasn’t for the faint of heart and had some dark moments.

Many felt the leads’ chemistry added a certain freshness to a lesbian relationship and power dynamic in film.: Most reviewers had mixed feelings because of the absurd ending.

Overall Consensus: Love Lies Bleeding is a divisive film with stellar performances, a unique visual style, and a storyline that leaves many puzzled.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ed Harris initially wore very long hair extensions as a joke, but the director decided to keep them in the film.”
• “The film is set in 1989, with subtle hints like the mention of the Berlin Wall’s fall and the aesthetic of the era playing a crucial role in setting the tone and context.”
• “Director Rose Glass is known for her unique and bold directorial style, previously showcased in ‘Saint Maud,’ setting high expectations for her approach to this neo-noir thriller.”

🖥️ How to Watch Love Lies Bleeding?

Currently, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential theatrical re-releases or future streaming availability on services like Hulu or Paramount+.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Love Lies Bleeding, you might like these similar films:

• Bound (1996): A lesbian neo-noir thriller with a focus on crime and a strong female bond, sharing thematic elements with ‘Love Lies Bleeding’.
• Thelma & Louise (1991): Features two women on the run, driven by circumstances into a life of crime and rebellion, exploring themes of female empowerment and escape.
• Blood Simple (1984): A classic Coen Brothers neo-noir film with a dark, gritty atmosphere and a story of crime gone wrong in a small town setting.
• Drive Away Dolls (2024): A more recent lesbian comedy-thriller where two female characters go on a road trip and encounter trouble.

🛒 Love Lies Bleeding Related Products

• Love Lies Bleeding [Blu-ray]: Own the movie with behind-the-scenes extras and bonus content. Perfect for collectors and movie enthusiasts, this Blu-ray edition provides the highest quality viewing experience and a deeper dive into the making of the film.
• Steroid Cycle Guide: An Informative Guide on Steroids: Though illegal in the real world. Learn more about steroids with this educational guide on steroid use and the science behind steroid use. Perfect for understanding the mechanics and the realities of how steroids can affect the human body.
• Vintage 80s Workout Gear: Leg Warmers, neon workout clothes, and everything else to look just as in the 80s. Inspired by the era of ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, these clothes are a nostalgic flashback into this time.
• A24 Collection: Five Films [Blu-ray]: A24 Collection with 5 of the production companies best films. Add great content to your collection and show your love for A24 with these 5 films.

🎧 Soundtrack

Love Lies Bleeding features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “1847 – Earth” – performed by Harald Großkopf

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Love Lies Bleeding – Movie Review

Want a deep dive into ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ before you watch? Chris Stuckmann breaks down what works (and what doesn’t) in this spoiler-free review. I always appreciate his honest opinions, and this one’s no different!

Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian Speed Date Each Other | Them

Ever wondered about the chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian? This hilarious speed dating game gives you a peek into their connection! They have really amazing chemistry; it’s so fun to watch.

Kristen Stewart defends her recent Rolling Stone cover shoot

See what Kristen Stewart has to say about the controversy around her Rolling Stone cover during the ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ press tour! It’s a quick but interesting take on the media buzz.

Love Lies Bleeding (2023) Brutal A24 Crime Thriller | Come With Me Movie Review | Spoiler Free

On the fence about watching ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ but hate spoilers? This review gives you the lowdown without ruining any surprises! It’s useful to watch before watching the movie.

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