I Prefer to Know My Own Strength.
4 / 5
Directed by Rose Glass.
Reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
After the bold debut of Saint Maud terrified audiences with a twisted look at faith, Rose Glass' sophomore feature treads complete new ground swapping the cold beaches of North England out for the turbulent desert of Albuquerque in sapphic drama Love Lives Bleeding.
Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian are an unstoppable pairing with passionate chemistry seeping out the screen. Their relationship is tested from every angle as it seems everything and everyone is set on keeping them apart, resulting in a fierce commitment to each other. O'Brian's presence in particular is so demanding, holding no punches as her character is pushed to her very limits.
I love how unpredictable every element feels. You know where you want the story to go, you can try and guess its twists and turns but Glass and co-writer Weronika Tofilska create a film that keeps you intrigued and takes some exciting directions that had my crowd cheering like Spider-Man just showed up on screen.
Love Lies Bleeding is continued proof that Rose Glass is one of the most exciting and unique directors to come around in years.
Watched at BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
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