Love Lies Bleeding: A Thrilling Ride at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
By Morgan Gallagher
Published January 21, 2024
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival showcased a standout, electrifying film that left the audience at the Eccles Theatre in Park City, UT, buzzing with excitement. Love Lies Bleeding, directed and co-written by Rose Glass, made a powerful impact as it was unveiled as part of the Midnight program. Starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian, this lesbian romance crime drama captivated the crowd with its ultraviolent, twisty and turny tale of familial revenge.
Reception and Acclaim
The premiere of Love Lies Bleeding received an enthusiastic response, with a rousing standing ovation for director Rose Glass and resounding cheers for Katy O'Brian. The audience's fervent applause, lasting around three solid minutes from the credits to the cast's appearance on stage, underscored the film's gripping impact on viewers.
Intriguing Plot and Characters
The storyline revolves around Lou, portrayed by Kristen Stewart, a struggling gym manager who forms an unexpected connection with Jackie, played by Katy O'Brian, a muscular girl and competitive amateur bodybuilder. The plot takes a thrilling turn as Jackie becomes embroiled in a complex web of familial ties, gun-smuggling, and a high-stakes rifle range operation, all set against the backdrop of the Americana Southwest.
Post-Screening Insights
Following the screening, the cast and crew engaged in a lively post-screening Q&A session. Jena Malone, who plays Lou's sister, expressed her admiration for the script, labeling it as the best she had ever read. Director Rose Glass shared her initial vision of setting the film in Scotland before relocating it to the expansive landscape of the Americana Southwest, adding a compelling layer to the narrative.
Passionate Performances and Character Dynamics
The cast members delved into their characters, with Dave Franco, who portrays the antagonist, expressing his intense connection to the role. Katy O'Brian revealed her determination to secure the part, emphasizing the significance of her character in the gripping storyline. Kristen Stewart provided insight into the characters' motivations, highlighting the profound lengths they would go to in the name of love.