In the last moments of Love Lies Bleeding, Kristen Stewart’s character Lou and her bodybuilder lover Jackie face a dramatic, fantastical climax. The gritty early-90s Southwestern setting transitions into an intense mix of redemption and fantasy. The film ends with Lou and Jackie reaching towering heights, both physically and emotionally. This fantastical transformation contrasts sharply with their earlier gritty reality.
Jackie, the steroid-driven bodybuilder, relies on her physical power rather than guns. Early in the film, she uses violence with her hands, smashing an abuser’s face. This raw power connects her to Lou, who admires and idolizes her strength. As Jackie’s strength begins to falter, however, she is pushed to a breaking point and resorts to more violent acts, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Violence and Self-Perception
Both Jackie and Lou are confronted by their inner monsters. Jackie feels monstrous for her violent actions, while Lou is seen as monstrous by her family. The characters are constantly grappling with their perceptions of themselves, each believing that their violent tendencies stem from love or protection. The film explores how these characters define and justify their actions in the face of love and loss.
Kristen Stewart as Lou and Katy M. O’Brian as Jackie (Photo: Love Lies Bleeding/A24)The ultimate confrontation with Lou Sr. pushes Jackie to an explosive transformation. After Lou Sr. shoots Lou, Jackie undergoes a dramatic physical change, gaining incredible strength. The film’s pivotal moment sees Jackie, now an overwhelming force, saving Lou from her father’s cruelty. This transformation symbolizes both empowerment and the raw power of love, underscoring the fantasy element of the film’s finale.
Love’s Empowerment and Escape
Jackie’s newfound strength allows her and Lou to escape from Lou Sr.’s control. As they flee, their love makes them larger than life, literally and figuratively. They transcend their gritty reality, walking through the clouds, symbolizing freedom and unity. This escape highlights their bond and their victory over the forces that sought to diminish them, leaving Lou Sr. defeated and powerless.
Despite the triumphant climax, the film ends with a darker twist. Lou, confronted with the consequences of their actions, faces a grim reality. Daisy, shot earlier, is revealed to still be alive, leaving Lou with a difficult decision. In this final moment, Lou embraces her role as a “monster,” acknowledging the complexity of love and the lengths she’s willing to go for it, bringing the film full circle with its moral ambiguity.
