After directing the short film Room 55 in 2014,[2] Glass achieved prominence with her feature length directorial and screenwriting debut, the psychological horror film Saint Maud. The story follows hospice nurse Maud who, having converted to Catholicism, becomes obsessed with one of her charges, believing she must save her soul. Saint Maud premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2019,[3] and was released in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2020 by StudioCanal UK.[4] The film was praised by critics for its direction, atmosphere, performances and score.[5]
In 2019, Glass won the IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award.[6] In late 2020, Glass was nominated for and won Best Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards.[7][8] In early 2021, Saint Maud was nominated for two awards at the 74th British Academy Film Awards, including a nomination for Glass in the category of 'Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer'.[9] In a five star review of Saint Maud, film critic Mark Kermode called Glass "a thrilling new talent in British cinema".[10] Noted director Danny Boyle has called Glass "an extraordinary talent and powerful storyteller" with a "singular vision".[11]
In March 2022, American actor Kristen Stewart announced that she would be working with Glass on her follow up to Saint Maud, a romantic thriller entitled Love Lies Bleeding, to be developed by Film4 and A24.[12][13][14] The story follows Lou, a reclusive gym manager, played by Kristen Stewart, who falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder, played by Katy O'Brian. Jackie is headed to Las Vegas to pursue her dream, but their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou's criminal family.[15] The film had its world premiere in the Midnight section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and was set for a theatrical in the United States on March 8, 2024 by A24 and by Lionsgate in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2024.[16][17][18]
Glass provided a 2024 interview with The Associated Press for the release of Love Lies Bleeding in which Glass spoke about utilizing the 1995 Paul Verhoeven-directed Showgirls as a means to demonstrate to the cast the overall setting and tone of the film.[20]
Glass was born in London, England, and grew up in Essex. She attended New Hall School[21] and later the London College of Communication before working as a runner on film sets alongside directing and writing her own shorts. After graduating, she made a short film called Storm House,[22] and later submitted the film in an application to the National Film and Television School.[23] She graduated from the National Film and Television School in 2014, where she made the short film Room 55. During her years at both schools, she had written and directed five short films including Room 55 and Storm House.[24] Glass identifies as bisexual. [25][26]
