Love Lies Bleeding 2024
Directed by
Rose Glass
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Love Lies Bleeding (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Lou, played by Kristen Stewart, is employed at a gritty gym, where she finds herself unclogging toilets while being persistently pursued by Daisy, portrayed by Anna Baryshnikov, for a date. The story takes a turn when Jackie, played by Katy O’Brian, arrives in town and engages in a brief liaison with JJ, represented by Dave Franco, to secure a job at a nearby gun range. Stranded without a place to stay, Jackie finds refuge beneath a bridge, mingling her nights with workouts.
Lou makes a visit to her sister, Beth, played by Jena Malone, who resides in a chaotic household filled with children and shows evident signs of abuse from her husband, JJ. While JJ takes Jackie on a tour of the gun range, he introduces her to the owner, portrayed by Ed Harris. On visiting the gym, Lou is instantly captivated by Jackie, but her daydreaming is cut short by the inquiry of two FBI agents regarding her estranged father. When Lou and Jackie chat outside, they’re interrupted by two patrons who make advances towards Jackie, only to be met with her fierce rejection. Their scuffle leads Lou to rush Jackie inside for safety.
The conversation shifts to Jackie’s aspiration to travel to Vegas for a bodybuilding competition. Offering support, Lou presents her a stash of steroids, which prompts Jackie to agree to an injection. This leads the two to cross boundaries, sharing an intimate moment that escalates into a passionate encounter at Lou’s apartment.
As the plot unfolds, Lou grapples with the fact that Jackie works at the gun range owned by her father, Lou Sr. The relationship blossoms into a steamy and intense connection filled with love and steroid use. Meanwhile, Lou Sr. operates a criminal smuggling operation and begins imparting gun skills to Jackie.
An awkward double date with JJ and Beth showcases Beth’s visible bruises, resulting in Lou confronting JJ in a volatile bathroom encounter where he hints that Jackie could just be using her. This tension drives the couple to flee when they spot FBI agents nearby.
Lou’s life takes a drastic turn when she learns that Beth has been hospitalized due to serious injuries caused by JJ. Despite her fury, Lou feels powerless as the police require Beth to file charges for any legal action to be taken against JJ. Witnessing Lou’s devastation, Jackie becomes enraged and embarks on a path of vengeance against JJ.
Lou stumbles upon a grim scene at Beth’s house, discovering Jackie in a catatonic state beside JJ’s body. After a moment of shock, Lou sets about the grim task of disposing of the body with Jackie’s reluctant help. As they push JJ’s car into a gorge and watch it engulfed in flames, Lou reassures Jackie that they will not be implicated.
The aftermath sees tensions rise as Lou attempts to maintain normalcy while Jackie, driven by her steroid-induced rage, heads for a bodybuilding competition in Vegas. However, her performance crumbles, leading to a humiliating meltdown on stage where she lashes out violently at other competitors, resulting in her arrest.
The drama heightens when Lou Sr. confronts Lou over the repercussions of their actions, forcing her to navigate a dangerous web of bloody cover-ups and deceit. Lou’s chaotic attempts to protect Jackie lead to a series of violent confrontations including a harrowing moment where Jackie’s loyalty is put to the test, ultimately culminating in a showdown between Lou and her father.
Taxed by a whirlwind of betrayal, love, and violence, Lou makes a crucial decision to leave her past behind, but not before dealing with one last reminder of betrayal—Daisy, who proves to be a lingering threat. As Lou drives off into the desert alongside Jackie, she makes one final act of desperation, forever altering their fates in a striking conclusion to their tumultuous journey.
Timeline
Track the key events of Love Lies Bleeding (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Lou's Job at the Gym
Lou works at a gritty gym, where she finds herself performing menial tasks such as unclogging toilets. Her monotonous routine is often interrupted by Daisy, who persistently asks her out on a date.
Jackie's Arrival
Jackie arrives in town and quickly engages in a brief romantic liaison with JJ, who connects her to a job at a nearby gun range. This encounter sets off a chain of events that deeply entwines the lives of the characters.
Struggling for Shelter
After her liaison, Jackie finds herself stranded and seeks refuge under a bridge. Her life becomes a juxtaposition of workouts and solitude, reflecting her struggles and determination.
Lou's Visit to Beth
Lou visits her sister Beth, who lives in a chaotic environment marked by her husband's abusive behavior. This visit starkly contrasts Lou's life, revealing the darker side of familial ties and responsibilities.
Jackie's Job Tour
JJ gives Jackie a tour of the gun range, where she meets its owner, who is also Lou's estranged father. This connection complicates Lou's budding relationship with Jackie, as secrets from their past start to surface.
The FBI Inquiry
During a visit to the gym, Lou is approached by two FBI agents questioning her about her estranged father. This encounter adds tension to Lou's already complicated life.
Defending Jackie
While conversing outside, Jackie faces unwanted advances from two patrons. Lou rushes to defend her, forcing them inside for safety and deepening the bond between the two women.
Intimate Moment
Lou introduces Jackie to steroids, leading them into a transformative moment that escalates into a passionate encounter at Lou's apartment. This marks a turning point in their relationship, intertwining love and dependency.
The Confrontation with JJ
An awkward double date reveals Beth's injuries, prompting Lou to confront JJ in a tense bathroom scene. This confrontation heightens tensions and reveals the abusive dynamics at play.
Beth's Hospitalization
Lou learns that Beth has been hospitalized due to severe injuries inflicted by JJ. This news pushes Lou to the brink, igniting a fire of anger in both her and Jackie as they plot their revenge.
The Body Disposal
Lou discovers Jackie in a catatonic state beside JJ's body after a violent incident. Together, they dispose of JJ's body by pushing his car into a gorge, a grim act that binds them in a shared secret.
Jackie's Competition
Despite the chaos, Jackie enters a bodybuilding competition in Vegas. However, the pressure and steroids fuel a violent outburst on stage, resulting in her arrest, signifying her downward spiral.
Final Confrontation with Lou Sr.
Lou faces the harsh reality of their actions when her father, Lou Sr., confronts her. He reveals the destructive consequences of their choices, forcing Lou to navigate a web of deceit and violence to protect herself and Jackie.
Departure into the Desert
Lou makes a pivotal decision to leave her past behind, escaping the turmoil with Jackie. As they drive off into the desert, they confront one last betrayal from Daisy, solidifying their commitment to each other.
A Striking Conclusion
In a final act of desperation, Lou alters their fates forever, encapsulating their tumultuous journey. This moment signifies the depth of their bond, forged through shared pain and transformation.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Love Lies Bleeding (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lou (Kristen Stewart)
Lou is a complex character who grapples with her feelings for Jackie while dealing with familial strife and the duties of her job at the gym. Her character undergoes significant development, evolving from a passive figure into one who takes bold, albeit dangerous, actions. Lou's loyalty and love for Jackie drive much of the narrative's emotional weight.
Jackie (Katy M. O'Brian)
Jackie is a fierce and determined individual seeking acceptance and stability in her life. Her aspirations to compete in bodybuilding highlight her struggle with identity and self-worth. Jackie’s emotional turmoil, coupled with her dangerous choices, creates a compelling and tragic character arc throughout the film.
Beth (Jena Malone)
Beth is Lou's sister, enveloped in a chaotic and abusive environment. Her struggles with domestic violence paint a harsh picture of her reality, which catalyzes Lou's protective instincts. Beth's character serves as a poignant reminder of the impacts of abuse and familial responsibility.
JJ (Dave Franco)
JJ embodies the toxic masculinity present in the film, showcasing a controlling and abusive nature towards Beth. His interactions with Jackie highlight his manipulative tendencies, complicating the relationships within the story. JJ's character significantly contributes to the film's themes of love, betrayal, and violence.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Love Lies Bleeding (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The timeline of the story is contemporary, portraying modern societal issues such as abuse, drug use, and the struggles of marginalized individuals. The characters' journeys through personal turmoil and crime underscore a gritty, present-day reality, marked by high stakes and emotional intensity.
Location
Vegas, a gritty gym, a gun range, a bridge
The movie takes place in several key locations, including a gritty gym where Lou works, reflecting the tough environment she navigates. A nearby gun range, run by Lou's estranged father, adds to the tension of the narrative. The urban backdrop transitions to a bridge where Jackie finds refuge, symbolizing her struggle for stability and a place to call home.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Love Lies Bleeding (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Betrayal
The relationship between Lou and Jackie is central to the film, illustrating a complex mix of affection and betrayal. As they navigate their intense feelings for each other, external threats and past traumas complicate their bond. This theme showcases how love can be both a refuge and a source of destruction.
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Substance Abuse
The use of steroids and the impact of substance abuse are significant themes within the film, driving the characters' decisions and affecting their relationships. Jackie's reliance on steroids to compete in bodybuilding reflects larger societal issues of body image and the lengths individuals go to achieve acceptance and success.
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Violence & Vengeance
Violence permeates the narrative as characters confront their darkest fears and desires. Jackie's path for vengeance against JJ illustrates the destructive cycle of retaliation, while Lou's evolution from passive to active involvement in violence marks a crucial character transformation. The film explores how violence is interwoven with love and loss.
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