Love Lies Bleeding (2024 film)
Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding is a 2024 romantic thriller directed by Rose Glass, who co-wrote the script with Weronika Tofilska. The film stars Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris. It’s a United Kingdom–United States co-production, with a run time of 104 minutes.
Set in 1989 in a rural town in New Mexico, the story follows Lou, a reclusive gym manager who is estranged from her powerful father, Lou Sr., a violent businessman with a criminal past. Lou begins a relationship with Jackie, a bisexual bodybuilder staying in town. Jackie uses steroids to boost her training, and the pair quickly fall in love.
As their bond grows, Lou confronts the abuse her sister Beth endures from Beth’s husband JJ. After a tense dinner where Lou lashes out at JJ, JJ reveals he once had sex with Jackie in exchange for a job, which sickens Lou. Beth is hospitalized after more abuse, and Lou’s father promises to protect Beth and deal with JJ. In a fit of rage fueled by steroids, Jackie brutally kills JJ.
Lou and Jackie attempt to cover up the murder. They dispose of JJ’s body in a ravine that doubles as a disposal site for Lou Sr.’s enemies, and Lou sets the car on fire to mislead investigators. The next days bring more danger: Daisy, a friend who tries to coerce Lou into a relationship, becomes entangled in the bloodshed. Jackie is arrested after a disturbing incident in Las Vegas, and Lou’s father tries to pin the murders on Jackie.
Lou decides to cooperate with the FBI to protect Jackie. In a climactic confrontation at Lou Sr.’s estate, Lou kills her father to save Jackie. Beth confronts Lou about her involvement, and the couple escapes together. In the aftermath, Daisy is found alive but wounded; Lou ultimately strangles Daisy and leaves her body in a field, then drives away with Jackie.
Production and release details
- Filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2022.
- World premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024.
- European premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2024.
- UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on February 28, 2024.
- Limited US release on March 8, 2024, before a wider rollout.
- UK release on May 3, 2024.
- The film was distributed by A24 in the United States and Lionsgate UK in the United Kingdom.
Reception and box office
- Box office around $12.5 million worldwide.
- Critical response was very positive: Rotten Tomatoes reported a high approval rating, and Metacritic gave it a favorable score.
- It was named one of the Top Ten Independent Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.
- Critics highlighted strong performances, especially Kristen Stewart, and described the film as a stylish, pulpy crime thriller with noir influences.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:15 (CET).