Kristen Stewart wants to see LGBTQ+ films explore topics outside of identity
Kristen Stewart has called for more LGBTQIA+ films to explore stories not centred around identity. On 18 February, the Oscar-nominated talent took part in a discussion panel at the Berlin Film Festival for her new film Love Lies Bleeding.
Directed by Rose Glass, who also shared scriptwriting duties with Weronika Tofilska, the upcoming A24 thriller is described as an “electric new love story.” The synopsis reads: “Reclusive gym manager Lou (Stewart) falls hard for Jackie (O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Vegas in pursuit of her dream.
But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.” While reflecting on Love Lies Bleeding, which has already received critical acclaim, Stewart opened up about how the film differs from other LGBTQIA+ projects. “The person who we normally don’t listen to, the person that we normally don’t look at, like she’s up front and centre in her (Glass’) movie,” she explained, per Variety.
The Crimes of the Future star also used the opportunity to call for more LGBTQIA+ films to feature diverse stories that don’t solely focus on identity and sexuality. “I think we can’t keep doing that thing where we tell everyone how to feel and sort of pat each other on the back and receive brownie points for providing space for marginalized voices, and only in the capacity that they are allowed to speak about that alone,” she said. “I think the era of queer films being so pointedly only that is done, it’s over.
