Director Rose Glass brings a discerning eye to Love Lies Bleeding, crafting an immersive experience that vividly captures the gritty essence of small-town life. The evocative 80s synth soundtrack sets a haunting tone for the dark and atmospheric narrative. With a visual aesthetic reminiscent of an 80s workout video, the film exudes a sense of griminess, enveloped in a soft haze that lends a surreal quality to the proceedings. From the first frame, the camera zooms in on the dirt and sweat clinging to the characters' bodies while overhead drone shots capture the desolate wasteland surrounding them. Each frame is meticulously composed, with every detail contributing to the authenticity of the setting. The wild 80s hairstyles, which might seem comical in any other context, feel perfectly at home amidst the soiled backdrop of the 80s, adding to the film's unique appeal.

But it's not just the film's technical prowess that sets it apart—it's the powerhouse performances from the cast that genuinely elevate Love Lies Bleeding to new heights. Stewart and O'Brian share a palpable chemistry on screen, their tumultuous relationship driving the narrative forward with intensity and passion. Stewart arguably gives her most incredible performance, but O'Brian nearly steals the show. Add standout performances from the entire supporting cast (Harris, Franco, Malone, Baryshnikov). Every character feels fully realized and integral to the story.

Stewart stars as Lou, a small-town gym manager who finds herself drawn to Jackie (Katy O'Brian), a competitive body-builder with magazine dreams of a brighter future in Las Vegas. Lou and Jackie spark an intense and passionate romance, but their situation becomes complicated when they realize that Jackie has taken a job at Lou's father's gun range. Lou has a fraught and tense relationship with her father, played by Ed Harris, due to his criminal dealings. Further complicating matters, Lou's sister Beth (Jena Malone) is married to a sleazy and abusive man named JJ (Dave Franco). Lou fears for Beth's safety if she leaves JJ. When Jackie's passion for strength and protection turns to anger and rage, it sets the couple off on a path of crime and destruction and a course for Lou to reckon with her family's long-buried secrets.

At its heart, Love Lies Bleeding delves into the dizzying extremes we'll navigate in the name of love. Jackie's fiery rage is both a cloak of protection and a weapon of jealousy in her tumultuous relationship with Lou. Even after enduring the brutality of JJ's abuse, Beth remains steadfast in her devotion, choosing to overlook his transgressions in the name of love. Lou, caught in the crossfire of these intense emotions, is paralyzed by indecision. While she yearns to defend her sister and confront her father's dark past, she remains immobilized by a fear of the unknown. The unanswered questions surrounding her mother's disappearance loom large, a haunting reminder of the violence that lurks beneath the surface. Yet, despite the turmoil, Lou remains tethered to her roots, unable to break free from the ties that bind her to her family and their troubled history. However, with Jackie's arrival comes a spark of passion that ignites a dormant flame within Lou. Empowered by this newfound strength, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her past and standing up for love in its rawest form.

Love Lies Bleeding is one of those films that begs to be seen with a large audience. It was exhilarating to experience this film in a packed theater because I could feel the audience's collective anticipation, shock, and sighs of relief as they were swept along on this gripping journey. The comedic beats stand out amidst the palpable tension in the theater setting, and similarly, when the film ventures into the supernatural genre, the audience's collective gasps heighten those aspects. Rose Glass's masterful direction managed to skirt predictability deftly. Not once could I guess where the story was going? It's not about "subverting expectations" outright but crafting a narrative that surprises and delights in equal measure. The finale, in particular, will draw a wildly varied reaction from the crowd. Still, the shared gasps, the whispered exclamations, and the nervous laughter all add to the overall cinematic experience, making Love Lies Bleeding a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

— 4.5 / 5 ⭐