Be aware, this article reveals major plot points from Love Lies Bleeding.
The ending of Love Lies Bleeding has sparked much debate. It wraps up the story in an unexpected and dreamlike manner.
Rose Glass, the director, sheds light on why Lou’s act of strangling Daisy is crucial. It shows how violence repeats itself, challenging the hope for a gentle conclusion.
Love Lies Bleeding evolves from a clear-cut revenge story to a complex tale filled with striking visuals.
Rose Glass, the director of Love Lies Bleeding, discusses the film’s intense final moments. The climax features Lou (played by Kristen Stewart) confronting her father, Lou Sr. (Ed Harris). Meanwhile, bodybuilder Jackie (Katy M. O’Brian), affected by steroids, becomes a giant and kills Lou’s father. As they escape, it’s revealed Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov), presumed dead, is in the trunk, leading to Lou strangling her.
In a conversation with IndieWire, Glass delves into the layered ending of Love Lies Bleeding. She highlights the strangulation scene and the surreal moment of Lou and a giant Jackie escaping. Glass aimed to end the story authentically, despite knowing it would divide viewers.
“[The ending will] split opinions, but it feels like the most honest conclusion for this part of the story. The scene of them running across clouds is actually them running across a tennis court we used for filming earlier. The visual effects team at Time Based Arts added the enchanting effects,” Glass explains.
On the topic of Lou strangling Daisy, Glass emphasizes its significance:
“It was crucial to end the story this way. We considered ending it as they drove off into the sunset, but that would miss the point. The scene, while seemingly light-hearted, underscores the endless cycle of violence. It’s tragic and wrong, regardless of who commits it. Throughout the film, the characters insist they’re different from their violent predecessors. I didn’t want to excuse anyone. Everyone believes they have a good reason for their actions.”
Love Lies Bleeding is filled with surreal moments that go beyond its initial portrayal as a straightforward revenge thriller. One memorable scene involves Lou Sr. executing a blindfolded man, hinting at the darker elements to be explored. The film promises a journey filled with impactful scenes from the start.
As Jackie’s steroid use increases, the film takes a more surreal turn. In one scene, she imagines herself near a cliff, feeling guilty for a murder, before the narrative snaps back to reality, showing her failure at a competition due to an onstage mishap.
Love Lies Bleeding marks another collaboration between Rose Glass and A24, following the 2020 horror film Saint Maud.
The film’s dive into surrealism, especially towards the end, makes it a unique experience. While Jackie’s transformation may surprise some, the film’s bold storytelling and performances are worth witnessing.
For more details, visit IndieWire.
Love Lies Bleeding, an action crime film by A24 and directed by Rose Glass, stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian in a story about the challenging world of competitive bodybuilding. The film also features Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris.