Love Lies Bleeding

This 1980s-set erotic thriller transforms the conventions of the genre through its same-sex couple protagonists, queering the world of bodybuilding it takes place within.

Left-to-right: Jackie (Katie O’Brian) and Lou (Kristen Stewart) bonding in the gym in Love Lies Bleeding (A24).

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This post is part of the regular ‘One Take’ series analysing the politics of a film currently showing at the cinemas.

Content warning: Domestic violence; Drug use.

Note: Given that, at time of writing, Love Lies Bleeding is still showing in UK cinemas, this analysis only lays out as much of the film’s scenario as is necessary so as to avoid spoilers. It is therefore suitable to be read either before or after watching the film, while hopefully still enriching the viewer’s appreciation of it either way.