What makes a person good? Evil? Can love, in all of its forms, transcend true villainy?
Filmmaker Rose Glass poses these questions in her latest film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” None of these questions are directly answered at any point, nor should they be. In fact, they have been rattling inside of my brain in the hours since the credits rolled to the tune of Martin Rev’s “Whisper” at the end of what is sure to be one of my favorite films of this year.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is an incredibly strong film, even outside of its bodybuilding subplot and sharp imagery of rippling muscles and sweaty bodies. Glass’ confidence behind the camera cannot be understated.
Glass deeply understands exactly what to show and when to show it in order to effectively build the world of the film. She applies the most carefully calculated levels of shock to each revelation and major shift.
With well-disciplined editing and gorgeously lit and framed camerawork, the film provides a fully realized and genuinely chill-inducing level of thrill that can be achieved only by an overarching understanding of what must be accomplished by every department involved in this production.
Katy O’Brian crushed as a co-leading actor. Her chemistry alongside the Academy Award-nominated actor Kristen Stewart makes for a riveting and emotionally stirring dynamic that is more than welcome given the film’s rather bleak backdrop of a desolate city in the late 1980s.
As charming as the dynamic is, the script never gives the characters an easy way out, nor does it give the audience an easy way to justify their actions on screen. Glass wants us to see these characters wrestle with their own morality and force those watching to do the same.
Ed Harris brings an immaculate level of tension to every scene, and I loved seeing him in such a prominent role again.
However, despite all of this talent on display, I found Anna Baryshnikov’s brief supporting role as the character Daisy to be the main standout. Her characterization and subtle tone shifts throughout made the film an even more thrilling experience.
The film refuses to shy away from the brutality of its world, which is essentially like our own, with a handful of flourishes added when needed.
By taking bold, unrestrained choices in the film’s most pivotal moments, Glass proved she is a creative force to be reckoned with.
Was every choice necessary? Probably not, but I had a massive smile on my face during much of this behemoth of a film. “Love Lies Bleeding” is an overwhelming assault on the senses. The film is not for the squeamish nor the faint of heart, but it is well worth the wincing.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is now playing in theaters.
