Love Lies Bleeding: Sapphic Rage, Love And Thriller

"Love Lies Bleeding," directed by Rose Glass, is a film that explores themes of extreme physicality and obsession through the lens of a sapphic relationship. While male muscularity is celebrated, there are often negative reactions associated with female muscularity. This film challenges these norms by delving into the psychology of women like the famed bodybuilder Lisa Lyon, who push their fitness to the extreme.

Set against the oppressive heat of 1980s New Mexico, "Love Lies Bleeding" follows Jackie (Katy O'Brien), a driven bodybuilder willing to go to any lengths to compete in a Las Vegas bodybuilding competition. Her journey is intertwined with Lou (Kristen Stewart), who introduces Jackie to performance-enhancing drugs and quickly becomes her lover. Their relationship, hastily formed and intensely physical, is marked by secrecy and manipulation. 

Jackie's intense focus and the physical effects of the drugs lead to a series of surreal, psychedelic experiences, causing audiences to question reality alongside her. The gradual shift in tone from a character study to a gruesome crime thriller.

"Love Lies Bleeding" is part of a wider movement in sapphic cinema that has moved away from the moody, tragic romances of the past. This film portrays queer women as complex, sometimes morally ambiguous characters, far from the quiet longing and inevitable tragedy that once dominated LGBTQ+ narratives. It reflects a more realistic range of emotions and experiences.

The evolution of sapphic films aligns with a cultural shift towards more diverse and genuine storytelling. It captures the intensity of queer experiences through humor, violence, and surrealism, resonating deeply with audiences.

"Love Lies Bleeding" straddles the fine line between love and obsession, presenting a narrative of intense emotions and striking visuals. The film's exploration of the dark, often chaotic side of queer relationships is a refreshing departure from sanitized portrayals, embracing the full spectrum of the sapphic experience.

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