‘Love Lies Bleeding’ Ending Explained — Kristen Stewart Gets a WTF Ending

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for “Love Lies Bleeding”

The big picture

• Director Rose Glass creates emotionally nuanced stories about female sexuality
  Love Bloody Lies
  .
• Love Bloody Lies
  explores themes of body image and acceptance through a shocking final moment.
• A twisted romance between the characters of Lou and Jackie unfolds in a darkly humorous and serious manner.

director rose glass directed one of the most impressive first features in recent memory with his impressive psychological horror film Saint Maud, a twisted version of “Satanic Panic” that featured a truly jaw-dropping final sequence. Despite its viscerally disturbing horror elements, Saint Maud indicated that Glass could develop stories of female sexuality with emotional undertones that spoke to feelings of disenfranchisement that many “outsiders” may feel. These distinctives were only emphasized by their last function Love Bloody Lies, which received rave reviews after its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. Both darkly hilarious and surprisingly serious, Love Bloody Lies ends with a shocking moment that is sure to generate discourse and debate among fans of genre cinema.

What is “Love Lies Bleeding” about?

Set in the summer of 1989, Love Bloody Lies focuses on lonely gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart), who has long felt ignored by her family. His sister, Beth (Jena Malone), is in an abusive relationship with her husband JJ (Dave Franco). Lou's father, Lou Sr. (Ed Harris) runs a local gun range and has some shady ties to corrupt local law enforcement. Despite feeling like the whole world is against her, Lou finds a sense of hope when she discovers bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian) working out in his gym. Love Bloody Lies becomes a twisted romance centered on the connection between Jackie and Lou. Although they both face difficulties in their personal lives, both characters finally feel “seen” when they spend time together.

As their connection deepens, Lou discovers that Jackie is preparing to leave for Las Vegas to compete in a bodybuilding competition. Although Lou manages to convince Jackie to take steroids to ensure his victory, the two argue when Jackie admits to having sex with JJ Lou is under pressure to remain anonymous as the two are being watched by FBI agents looking for his mother. , who mysteriously disappeared years ago. Unfortunately, the steroids take a toll on Jackie's temper, leading her to lash out in a fit of rage against JJ for abusing Beth. Jackie inadvertently kills JJ, forcing Lou to help hide the body in a ravinewhich is already hidden with other corpses. While it's gratifying to see Franco's malevolent persona come out in such a brutal fashion, his death puts the young lovers in critical jeopardy.

Despite Lou's protests, Jackie decides to complete her trip to Las Vegas. She continues to use steroids, but later has a vivid hallucination of her role in JJ's death that causes her to throw up on stage and ends up in jail after starting a fight. When his lover leaves, Lou is reunited with his ex-lover Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov), who discovers his role in JJ's disappearance. As Daisy blackmails her into a relationship, Lou begins to fear what actions her father will take Lou Mr. he had used the ravine to dispose of the bodies of business rivals he had killed earlier. Although Lou Mr. ends up freeing Jackie from prison, he intends to blame her for all the murders he has committed.

Who dies in 'Love Lies Bleeding?'

After catching Lou coming home, Jackie shoots and injures Daisy, as he had assumed that their relationship had been sincere. Although Lou Mr. calls his daughter to tell her that Jackie is going to prison, Lou decides to keep the knowledge of his crimes against him. Lou Mr. he is enraged by this betrayal and arranges for a corrupt policeman to murder his daughter. After narrowly escaping with his life, Lou manages to reach his father's mansion and reunite with Jackie. Despite Jackie's initial anger, Lou manages to convince her that they can find happiness and acceptance with each other, and escape her father's sickening influence.

Unfortunately, Lou Mr. he is still bent on revenge and threatens Lou at gunpoint. He reveals to Lou that even though he didn't kill his mother, she left because of both actions. Although these poisonous words disorient Lou, Jackie suddenly turns giant and attacks Lou Sr. She comes very close to killing him, but ends up saving his life so he can be dealt with by the police.

Love Bloody Lies ends on a somewhat ambiguous note as Jackie and Lou drive away in a truck with an uncertain future ahead. However, Glass inserts a final twist in the narrative when it is revealed that Daisy is still alive. After hearing Daisy's moans from the back of the truck, Lou discreetly pulls up and shocks her to death.

What “Love Lies Bleeding” Says About Body Image

While the dose of surrealism in the final action sequence may catch some viewers off guard, Love Bloody Lies it is revealed as a deep analysis of taking pride in the perception of how they appear. Although Jackie's transformation into a giant version of herself is implied to be metaphorical, it suggests that she now has a confidence in herself that she would never have managed to use steroids. Although she is motivated to perfect her physical likeness in order to succeed in the bodybuilding competition, Jackie realizes that the only person she also needs to satisfy is herself.

It is also suggested that the final sequence is shown from Lou's perspective, as she is still stuck in her fantasies about Jackie. While Lou is not necessarily an unreliable narrator, her lust for Jackie may have colored her perception of events. Lou has spent his entire life in a hopeless community, so the notion of someone whose intentions are pure (like Jackie) can seem almost alien to him. Regardless, it's definitely a very imaginative way to conclude the story, adding a touch of romantic sincerity to a story with a very high body count.

Love Bloody Lies is now available to rent and buy on VOD services.

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