Review: ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is the Raunchy Neo-Noir We’ve All Been Waiting For

Five years ago, British filmmaker Rose Glass wrote and directed the subversive and controversial Saint Maud, another film produced by A24. Taking a turn away from the horror genre, Glass makes her comeback with the Kristen Stewart led neo-noir film, Love Lies Bleeding. Stewart plays Lou, a chain-smoking gym manager with a shady past. The film is also led by Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, and Jena Malone. O’Brian plays Jackie, a traveling bodybuilder training for a Vegas competition, who finds herself in the New Mexico desert. A run in with Franco’s devious character, JJ, allows her to attain a job with Lou’s father, Lou Sr. Shortly after that, Jackie and Lou fall hard in love and give in to every incriminating impulse on the way; sense doesn’t exist in this 1980s microcosm of lawless mania.  

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Review: ‘The Last Full Measure’ Is a Well-Intentioned Pander to Audiences’ Sentimentality

The Vietnam War is one of the darkest spots on the long scroll of American history. One of the bloodiest battles in one of the most violent wars in recent memory was the Battle of Xa Cam My, the repercussions of which are chronicled in Todd Robinson’s first feature since 2013, The Last Full Measure. This film follows the trials undertaken by Pentagon lawyer, Scott Huffman, thirty-two years after Xa Cam My to get the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to war hero, William H. Pitsenbarger. Pitsenbarger, affectionately referred to as ‘Pits’ by his comrades, was an Air Force Pararescueman who stepped in to assist the wounded on the ground of Xa Cam My after the Infantry’s medic was injured. Pitsenbarger was unfortunately killed during the battle after continually opting to stay on the ground. A group of his friends and the men he rescued initially petitioned for his Medal of Honor soon after the Vietnam War ended, but it was denied. In 1997, one of the men, Tully, approached Huffman with a renewed vigor and a new attempt for the Medal. Ultimately, they succeeded in earning the Medal for Pitsenbarger, who ultimately rescued over 60 men.

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