There’s a difference between being strong and owning your power. That’s the big takeaway in the fast-paced romance thriller from A-24, Love Lies Bleeding. The new movie has been applauded for its entertaining story, sapphic representation, and stellar chemistry between the two powerful leads. Originally picked up and promoted by famous lesbian icon Kristen Stewart, the script gained attention for its gritty look at two troubled women finding each other. Casting for this movie already had Kristen chosen to be the gym-owning lead who would eventually fall for bodybuilder vagabond Jackie. But who would play the bicep-bulging and kind-hearted love interest opposite Kristen Stewart? That’s when badass actress Katy O’Brian took to X (formerly Twitter) and shot her shot. And it paid off!

The movie tackles several issues that unfortunately unfold in many of our coming-out experiences. From being disowned by her parents, Jackie (O'Brian) lands in Lou’s (Kristen’s character) gym, and the two form a strong connection. After the start of their whirlwind romance, Lou offers Jackie a steroid that causes her to react supernaturally angry. While Lou’s intentions are always to support Jackie and her ambitions to become a pro bodybuilder, we see how passion, secrets, and using a supernatural steroid can sour even the strongest of relationships.

A Blood Pumping Movie

Just know Love Lies Bleeding is an apt title, with emphasis on the bleeding part! We are capable of giving so much heart and hurt, which Kristen’s character represents so well. Estranged from her mobster dad and plagued by a toxic past, Lou is just looking for the light. And shiny motivated bodybuilder Jackie is the perfect stepping stone for Lou to grow past her own self-hatred.

Jackie comes in as a mystery. She makes a brief call home to her little sibling, reassuring them she’s okay. But the heartbreaking moment comes when her mother snatches the phone and demands Jackie never reach out to them again. As this movie is set even earlier than now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize that Jackie was shamed for her differences. She wants to grow muscles and explore what it means to be bisexual. She’s clear about her goals and focused, and disciplined. A well-rounded character brought to life by Katy O’Brian. She would do 3-hour workouts to prepare for this role, which you can read about here.

The All-Star Cast of Love Lies Bleeding

The relationships at the core of the movie deserve acclaim. There’s a domestic violence storyline where Dave Franco’s character is physically abusive to the point his wife, Lu’s sister, and sends her to the hospital. With a nearly unrecognizable face, the sister Beth ( continues to de-escalate the ever-brewing tension between her sister and her husband. It’s so hard to watch a survivor of abuse keep making excuses, and this comes to a head in a somewhat iconic yelling match that’s won by Stewart.

Another standout is Jena Malone, who we all loved as queer-coded Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games movies. Malone plays Lu’s sister Beth, a woman married to an abusive man (played by Dave Franco). Her performance portrays how hard it is to convince survivors of abuse to leave and the nuanced emotions survivors feel towards their abuser. Anna Baryshnikov plays a townie with terrible teeth - more yellow than SpongeBob - whose crush on Stewart is enjoyably obvious. Her character adds to the complications Lou and Jackie face, and the scene of Baryshnikov ordering a round of margaritas at a local diner will stay with me forever.

Head to the Theaters!

I really recommend you go to theaters and watch this movie. Queer cinema is rare and supporting it shows Hollywood how much we care. Kristen recently came out saying her prior project, Happiest Season, one of the first gay rom-coms, faced a lot of critical changes from upper management during production. She credits fellow actor and director Clea Duvall for handling the studio’s notes with undeserved grace.

Unlike Happiest Season, however, this movie does not pull back at all. In a world where we’re either denied accurate representation or spoon-fed it through the capitalist machine, it is refreshing to see Love Lies Bleeding be so supported.

Overall I really enjoyed this movie! It’s not often enough that we get to see queer women protagonists and the same-sex relationship in this movie was *chefs kiss*. Love doesn’t have to be easy, it hardly ever is. This film proves that love is something worth being strong for.

By the way, I have that very 90s neon jacket Jackie wears in the movie. Not to brag...