Style: Romantic Crime Drama
Director: Rose Glass
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Jena Malone, Dave Franco
Operating Time: 104 minutes
Synopsis: In rural New Mexico of 1989, gymnasium supervisor Lou (Kristen Stewart) falls in love with muscular drifter-from-out-of-town Jackie (Katy O’Brian), who’s planning to compete in a Las Vegas physique constructing competitors. Jackie accepts a job on the taking pictures vary managed by Lou’s estranged father Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), and begins to inject herself with giant doses of steroids. In the meantime Lou’s sister Beth (Jena Malone) is being abused by her sleazoid husband JJ (Dave Franco). When the abuse goes too far, Jackie intervenes, triggering a cycle of violence.
What Works Effectively: Director and co-writer Rose Glass creates a sweaty and gritty genre-melding backwater drama. Towards the backdrop of corruption (Lou’s father) and exploitation (Lou’s brother-in-law), a romance blossoms and hopes for Vegas glory spur optimism, however drug-fueled violence results in neo-noir shadings and even moments of levity. The forged excels inside the financial doldrums (Jackie is successfully homeless; Lou’s predominant activity as gymnasium “supervisor” is to clear clogged bogs), and Kristen Stewart exudes intent as a protagonist rising from passivity.
What Does Not Work As Effectively: The ultimate act is buffeted by too many lifeless our bodies and erratic tonal shifts, undermining the extra delicate set-up work. The sub-story concerning the FBI’s investigation into Lou Sr.’s shady felony actions receives solely half-hearted consideration.
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