MaXXXine is a good thriller that captures the essence of 1980s Hollywood. I recommend watching the trilogy in chronological order (Pearl, X, MaXXXine) for a more cohesive experience.
MaXXXine is the highly anticipated sequel to the horror film X, directed by Ti West. Ever since I saw X in theaters, I was excited about this continuation, especially since X struck me as an original and compelling horror film. The trilogy includes X, the prequel Pearl, and now MaXXXine, set in the 1980s.
The film picks up with Maxine Minx, a survivor of the horrific events depicted in X. Now in Los Angeles, Maxine navigates the gritty and vibrant world of the entertainment industry, seeking fame and success. However, she soon finds herself entangled in a series of chilling and violent events. This movie blends horror and thriller elements, maintaining the tension and atmosphere characteristic of its predecessors, while exploring themes of ambition, survival, and the dark side of the American dream.
I made the mistake of not rewatching X before seeing MaXXXine, which might have elevated the experience for me. While MaXXXine isn’t bad by any means, it didn’t captivate me as much as the previous two films. The narrative felt disjointed at times, jumping from scene to scene without clear direction. A particular point of personal grievance was the glorification of a specific serial killer, which I didn’t appreciate.
Despite these issues, the acting was solid all around, from Mia Goth to Kevin Bacon. However, I often found myself questioning the realism of the characters’ decisions and situations. These questions left me with more uncertainties than resolutions by the film’s end.
MaXXXine is a good thriller that captures the essence of 1980s Hollywood. I recommend watching the trilogy in chronological order (Pearl, X, MaXXXine) for a more cohesive experience. I rate MaXXXine a 6, while X is a 9, and Pearl a 7. Although I left with more questions than answers, sometimes that’s okay. Unlike another film that I will be reviewing shortly.
