Lou ekes out a dreary existence in a sleepy town somewhere in New Mexico. She works at the gym, cleans the filthy toilets and is constantly harassed by her proletarian ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, bodybuilder Jackie dreams of a big triumph at a competition in Las Vegas. But on the way there she has to earn some money - even if it means sleeping with a sleazy guy. When the two women meet, they fall head over heels in love and embark on an intense relationship characterized by passionate sex, but also Jackie's hard training. But the small town is firmly in the hands of Lou's criminal father and Jackie has long been caught up in his web. A spiral of violence is quickly set in motion and Lou soon has to clean things other than toilets...
Director Rose Glass follows up her horror secret Saint Maud with a crazy romantic thriller. With its shimmering, exuberant images of muscles and a driving electro score, Love Lies Bleeding develops a beguiling cinematic frenzy that no one can escape - even before the violent excesses begin. Ed Harris proves to be a wonderful scene-stealer in the role of the grotesquely coiffed, diabolical villain. But it is above all the magnificent Kristen Stewart who forms the pulsating heart of this thrilling story. And Katy M. O'Brian? You have to see for yourself how the martial artist known from The Mandalorian literally outgrows herself in her biggest movie role to date. A fantastic opening film through and through. (fantasyfilmfest)
Love Lies Bleeding. Rose Glass, USA/ Great Britain 2024, 104 minutes, from 16 years, OmU
Admission 8 p.m., movie starts when it is dark enough (sunset 8.15 p.m.).