Love Lies Bleeding – Review

1989. Gym patrons push it to the max. Only losers quit. Sweat flies and bodies tone as people pump it up. Pain is a weakness leaving the body. However, Lou (Stewart) has her hands full. Of shit. In a naaasty toilet. She declines Daisy’s (Baryshnikov) invite and advances to hang out on the weekend saying she has some shit to do for her sister Beth (Malone). Lou finishes unclogging the bowl, washes up, drives home to a dark place and pops a beer.

Meanwhile, new in town muscle chick Jackie (O’Brian) is hoping to secure a job at the gun range from JJ (Franco), by fucking him. JJ happens to be Beth’s husband, and all-around great guy. JJ introduces Jackie to the boss, Mr. Langston (Harris). Jackie will do whatever is asked, she just needs cash and a bit of time before a body building competition.

Jackie then hits the gym, the same one that Lou works at. Lou is immediately enamored with this new and intense girl. Connections are made and sparks fly. As the wheels start to turn on the plot, the characters collide in relatively insane ways. This propels forward a tale of crime, carnage, bullets, doping, blood, skin, emotion, money, power, rage, jealousy, life and death.

This film is artistically shot and presented, with creative and interesting visuals. It is expertly acted, and is a pretty slick movie overall. I could probably say a lot about this film, but it wouldn’t do the experience justice. The movie is hypnotic and bizarre, and at times a violent crime drama. I didn’t think it would be my thing, but it has a solid vibe and is very well done. It’s definitely a pretty good movie, and has plenty of surprises, like Ed Harris’ epic hair.

Comparisons are tougher on this one based on the sum of its parts, but below have similarities.