Evoking movies such as ‘TRUE ROMANCE’ (1993), ‘KALIFORNIA’ (1993) and even ‘BOUND’ (1996) the premise of ‘LOVE LIES BLEEDING’ (2024) is more than just a by the numbers crime thriller with a dash of steamy romance between two same sex protagonists. Yet to deem this as provocative would be overly simplistic and reductive when one considers the likes of the versatile Kirsten Stewart, the scenery chewing villainy of Ed Harris and the somewhat underrated Dave Franco in a supporting role. The stand out of this brisk and vibrant trailer is undoubtedly Katy M O’Brian, who transformed her physique into that of an authentic bodybuilding competitor.
The inclusion of bodybuilding in one of the female leads, makes for an intriguing thematic hook; given the nature of the film, this could easily have been interchanged with another discipline. Yet the pursuit of this characterisation within the narrative presents something far more unique, as a still neglected and misunderstood sport that deserves it’s due.
Being bathed in ‘Smalltown Boy’ by Bronski Beat, perhaps provides a further clue hinting at themes of necessary reinvention prompted by an isolationist intolerance and somewhat regressive ideals. The impish Director Rose Glass, known for some short films and the smaller hidden gem like ‘ST MAUD’ (2019) has crafted something compelling and intriguing, cleverly masking the story with a paradoxical tone.
The beauty of this trailer lies within its cryptic narrative, a clear passionate romance is the lynchpin of the characters amongst what is a gritty crime film complete with a skewed moral compass. Expecting a twist or two with an impactful weighty punch, that is sure to deliver the goods in 2024. Certainly A24 has been on a roll in recent years with films like ‘HEREDITARY’ (2018), ‘TALK TO ME’ (2023) and ‘EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE’ (2022) all garnering critical acclaim amongst audiences and critics alike.
In this movie critics opinion, this will be a surprise hit in 2024 and thus not to be missed.
‘LOVE LIES BLEEDING’ releases on 8 March 2024.
