The movie Love Lies Bleeding, directed by Rose Glass, has left audiences buzzing with its wild and divisive ending sequence. The climax of the film features a showdown between Lou (Kristen Stewart) and her father, Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), where bodybuilder Jackie (Katy M. O'Brian) experiences steroid-induced side effects, growing to giant size and inadvertently killing Lou's father. As Lou and Jackie make their escape, a shocking revelation unfolds as Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov), previously thought dead, is found alive in the trunk and meets a tragic fate at Lou's hands.
In an interview with IndieWire, Glass delves into the multiple layers of Love Lies Bleeding's ending, defending the controversial decision to end the film in such a manner. She explains that the culmination of the story through Lou's actions and the surreal cloud-running scene was essential to staying true to the film's narrative.
Glass emphasizes the significance of Lou's act of violence towards Daisy, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and the film's commentary on its perpetuation. She stresses the importance of not letting any character off the hook for their actions, underscoring the film's thematic exploration of the consequences of violence.
While Love Lies Bleeding was initially marketed as a revenge thriller, it surprises audiences with its surreal and dark imagery, such as the haunting scene of a blindfolded man being shot by Lou Sr. The film gradually delves into surrealism as Jackie's steroid use leads to hallucinations and disturbing consequences, culminating in a visually striking and unexpected transformation.
Love Lies Bleeding marks Glass's second collaboration with A24, following her acclaimed horror film Saint Maud. The film's bold narrative choices and standout performances make it a unique and memorable cinematic experience that challenges traditional genre boundaries.
Love Lies Bleeding is an action crime film that follows the journey of a gym employee and a bodybuilder as they navigate the competitive world of bodybuilding. With a stellar cast including Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Jena Malone, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris, the film offers a gripping and unconventional take on the genre.
