Director Ti West’s latest installment in his slasher trilogy featuring the films “X” and “Pearl” has arrived, this time taking the horror out of the secluded Texan farm of the previous two films and bringing it to Hollywood instead.
“MaXXXine” was about Maxine Minx, a porn star trying to become a famous film star in 1985. However, first, she must survive the serial killer known as the Night Stalker. “MaXXXine” was the sequel to “X,” taking place years after and following the same protagonist. Like previous films in the franchise, it stars Mia Goth as the lead character.
Highs
“MaXXXine” was a rewarding film for fans of the “X” trilogy as it tied up loose ends from the first movie while referencing both previous ones. Though it was mainly a sequel to “X,” there were also welcomed nods to “Pearl.”
The entire trilogy was cohesively woven not only in its references and plot, but also in the lead characters. In “X,” viewers were introduced to Maxine and the villainous Pearl, both played by Goth who consistently gave outstanding performances in all films, bringing all the complex dimensions of these characters to life.
But both characters had more in common than the same actress. Although Pearl did not appear in “MaXXXine,” it expanded on the parallels between Pearl and Maxine, presenting an intriguing character duo that were simultaneously enemies and kindred spirits.
“MaXXXine” also further explored themes established in the previous films around sexual lust, lust for fame, and bloodlust; this time against the backdrop of the 1980s satanic panic and film industry. Throughout the movie, Maxine struggles with being taken seriously in Hollywood due to her past work. Though over-the-top violent at times, it did speak truth to how sex workers are often ostracized and in danger.
Lows
The third act was a bit messy. There were a couple of plot contrivances that didn’t make much sense, though they could have with more explanation, especially around the twist. The climax could have been stronger after the long build-up, leaning too melodramatic and not well enough developed. This climax was a weak point for the “X” franchise, which was previously meticulously clever; the first film held back no punches (both literally and metaphorically) while “Pearl” had masterful character development throughout its entirety.
Another strength of the previous films that “MaXXXine” lacked was a stronger supporting cast. While previous films had fully fleshed-out side characters that made the horror impactful, “MaXXXine” was more hit or miss. Underdeveloped characters either died off too quickly or appeared too sporadically throughout.
“MaXXXine” also could have gone further with its character study and/or horror. It was mostly not as disturbing as “X” (though it was occasionally just as gory), but not as introspective as “Pearl.”
Verdict
Though the weakest entry to the “X” franchise, “MaXXXine” was still a worthwhile slasher that added to the first two movies' themes, lore, and character work. It was a nail-biting film that challenged the final girl of “X” to a round two of terror, pushing her to her limits in the dazzling, bloody film industry setting.
“MaXXXine” is currently playing in theaters. Note for epileptic viewers: there was a scene in a nightclub with a flashing light effect that could potentially trigger seizures.
Verdict: 7.5 out of 10.
