I rewatched the wildest slasher movie franchise of the decade and can't believe what I missed the first time
Mia Goth plays two different modern horror icons in Ti West's decades-spanning 'X' trilogy.
Director Ti West's "X" trilogy, consisting of films "X," "Pearl," and "MaXXXine," has become a standout horror franchise, earning its place among classic horror movies. The trilogy features star Mia Goth, who showcases her mesmerizing screen presence in each installment. Elizabeth Bender, who directed "MaXXXine," describes her work on the horror sequel as "A B-movie with A ideas," highlighting the unique blend of influences that West and Goth bring to the series.
The franchise showcases a master class in cinematic homage, drawing from various sources including classic Hollywood and vintage adult films, all filtered through the unique sensibility of West and Goth's performance. Goth's dual performance as two women, Maxine Minx and Pearl Douglas, is the centerpiece of the trilogy, with each character possessing complex and fascinating characteristics.
"X" sets the stage for the brilliant trilogy, paying tribute to Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" with a movie set in Texas in 1979. The film revolves around Maxine's journey to stardom, as she and her fiancé Wayne, along with a crew of filmmakers, arrive at a remote farm to film a porn movie. However, Pearl and her husband Howard, who own the farm, react violently when they discover the tenants' plans, rooted in jealousy.
"Pearl" deepens the killer's tragic backstory, set in 1918 and featuring Goth as the younger version of Pearl Douglas. The prequel showcases Goth's acting prowess and offers a compelling tale of a young woman's dreams of stardom and her budding psychopathic tendencies. "MaXXXine" brings the trilogy to a satisfying close, showcasing Goth's performance as the traditional slasher-movie final girl in a Hollywood sleaze story set in 1985.
Maxine, now living in Hollywood, attempts to transition from adult films to mainstream fare, only to become a target of a mysterious black-gloved killer. While the trilogy received mixed reviews, it remains a stylistic exercise that draws inspiration from various genres, including giallo movies and erotic thrillers.
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