In 2022, A24 and writer-director Ti West delivered the one-two punch of X and Pearl, a pair of horror films about cinema, sex, violence and our cultural lust for fame. Produced back to back on a shoestring budget, the films’ box office success quickly prompted a larger-scale follow-up in MaXXXine, presumably the final chapter in the X trilogy. Though each movie stands on its own, together they create a loose sketch of the evolution of American cinema and its relationship with its audience, with each chapter painted in a style befitting its place in time. X is set in 1979 and follows an unexpectedly ambitious porn production, while Pearl is an origin story for the first film’s villain, a wannabe movie star in 1918. MaXXXine directs its lens at 1980s Hollywood, paying homage to both steamy adult-targeted thrillers and VHS “video nasties.” Though it’s a neat throwback that features a few memorable performances, MaXXXine imitates its period setting a little too well, prioritizing style and adding little substance to the series.

Thank you for signing up!

By clicking submit, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge we may use your information to send you emails, product samples, and promotions on this website and other properties. You can opt out anytime.

MAXXINE ★★1/2 (2.5/4 stars)
Directed by: Ti West
........

© Observer