Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Jul 22, 2024
Table of Contents
This week, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, the newest release from distribution company, A24, hit theaters. The Kristen Stewart-led 80s-themed drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was met with glowing reviews, before its theatrical release this past week. ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ tells the story of a gym manager, portrayed by Stewart, who falls in love with a female bodybuilder, while avenging the abuse of her sister and the death of her mother. While the ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is a classic tale of sex, drugs, and violence, the story itself is full of substance that makes you think, as well as a love letter to the 80s crime drama.
Right off the bat, we are met with a stunning look into the world of the film. The setting, alone, is its own character with the beautiful look into the Southwest. While Jackie, the female bodybuilder portrayed by Katy O’Brian, is seen making her way through this small New Mexico town, Lou, portrayed by Kristen Stewart, offers her a place to stay, as well as steroids for an upcoming bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas. The two fall in love, before Lou’s sister is checked into the hospital, due to the domestic abuse from her husband and Jackie’s coworker, J.J. After this instance, the two embark on a violent adventure of revenge and love. It is important to note that some shots in ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ are not for the squeamish, as there are some bloody moments that may be hard to stomach.
‘Love Lies Bleeding’ truly takes its audience on a wild ride, beginning with remnants of ‘Thelma and Louise’ and ‘Drive’, and putting these characters into increasingly high stakes. The story is one that keeps you on your toes, and guessing over what will happen next. Each new situation that these characters are brought to is a new challenge that keeps the audience in the palm of their hands. Dramas like this are hard to come by, especially those with themes of love at the forefront. However, each new problem and solution are just as, if not more, interesting and engaging than the last.
Director and writer, Rose Glass, presents us with something completely original, unlike most films we have seen so far in this decade. One thing that is important to note is that this film does not focus on the fact that our leads are queer. While many queer films have the characters’ queerness at the forefront of the film, such as ‘Love, Simon’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ focuses more on the events of the film, rather than the queerness of the characters. It is a refreshing take on queer films, especially due to the fact that it takes place in the 1980s and does not have a focus on queer oppression.
Not only does ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ play on the 80s crime drama, but its surrealist demonstration on the effects of steroids are another unique touch to a film that could otherwise be deemed basic and boring. Jackie’s body physically growing with each shot of steroids help foreshadow the trippy ‘She-Hulk’-esq ending that takes the audience on a wide turn from the darkness that has ensued for most of the film.
Kristen Stewart’s role in this film takes a turn from that of her ‘Twilight’ and ‘Spencer’past. While Stewart’s past roles have been more subtle and quiet than this one, Stewart has never been a passive actor. In ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, we see her fight out loud for what she really wants. She takes us on a journey through her mind, demonstrating why she is doing what she is doing, without being obvious. The character of Lou is smart in the way that each action is intentional and calculated, even when she is acting on impulse. Stewart captures this in a way that makes each audience member understand her why.
Katy O’Brian was the force in this film. Not only did she deliver a stellar performance as Jackie, but she also has a background in bodybuilding and martial arts, which almost makes the role feel as if it was made for her. O’Brian is the heart and soul of this film, contrasting with Stewart’s outspoken and vengeful character. She has such a casual presence that also forces you to look at her and her performance. Her contrasting moments, from a homeless young woman, to finding love at a high price truly show her range as an actor. It is no surprise that the world is waiting to see what she does next.
Stewart and O’Brian’s chemistry on screen is undeniable, and the scenes in which they are together are captivating due to this. Though there are multiple sex scenes, they are played in a way that caters to the female gaze and stray from being “too much” for what the film calls for. Though intimate scenes have been a controversy and a topic of conversation over the last few years, the intimate scenes in ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ are effective and have a purpose in what the film is meant to be.
Even in the most harrowing scenes, the film holds tones of true love and angst that is tangible and measurable for audiences. There is a distinct reason for each character’s actions, most of them having to do with the ones they love or what they love. Even when these characters are tapping into the darkest moments of their stories, they have a job to do and a reason to do it.
Overall, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is a film that is completely different than anything else this season. As we begin to stray out of awards show season and the films that come with it, this film is a refreshing take on a sapphic love story. The crimes committed and the distances driven raise questions for each audience member of what they would do for the ones they love.
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Ed Harris, Dave Franco
Directorr: Rose Glass | Writer: Rose Glass, Weronika Tofilska
| Producers: Andrea Cornwell, Oliver Kassman | Cinematography: Ben Fordesman | Editing: Mark Towns
By Abigail Johnson
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Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
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