Summary
Ti West closes his unlikely "X" trilogy with a bang. MaXXXine features some of best moments of the trilogy, whilst delivering a touching message that ties up the multi-movie story perfectly.
Ti West closes his unlikely “X” trilogy with a bang. MaXXXine features some of best moments of the trilogy, whilst delivering a touching message that ties up the multi-movie story perfectly.
Picking up a decade after the massacre in X. Maxine has become a successful porn star, but she dreams of a life as a true movie star.
After being scoring a major role in an upcoming horror picture. Maxine quickly learns that her past isn’t as dead and buried as she may have thought it was.
The real life “Night Stalker” killings also plays a part in the story, but isn’t as prevalent as the marketing makes it out to be.
MaXXXine may not be as sleek as X, or as touching as Pearl, but what it does provide is an unforgettable throwback to 80’s exploitation horror that hasn’t been done well in a long time.
“Name five celebrities that got their start in horror movies”
Image credit: A24
The film opens with a casting call, Maxine walks in and delivers a performance that guarantees her a spot in “The Puritan 2”.
Most of the film revolves around Maxine balancing her life and trauma, whilst starting her carreer in film.
It’s clear from the opening that MaXXXine intends to take a more meta approach to storytelling by continuing Maxine’s journey. But also paying respect to director Ti West and Mia Goth’s vision for the trilogy.
Mia Goth’s performance remains the greatest part of the trilogy, perfectly following up on the traumatic events of X and building Maxine into an iconic modern horror legend.
However, MaXXXine is anything but modern. Since the film is set in 80’s Hollywood the atmosphere is dripping in a hazy sleaziness that’s unlike other modern horror releases.
A lot of MaXXXine’s comes from two niche horror genres, these being American exploitation horror and Italian Giallo.
The murder mystery elements come for Giallo film whereas the extreme violence and over-the-top gore comes from exploitation horror.
Combining two different horror genres helps to bolster MaXXXine‘s surprising depth for a throwback horror.
Most of the discourse around the film comes from its often disgusting violence. However it works in the films favour, cementing it as an effective horror that utilitises old techniques.
Goth’s performance dominates the film, but Kevin Bacon’s conniving private detective John Labat steals the show anytime he’s on screen.
Elizabeth Debicki also puts in a great performance as the clear Ti West stand in, Elizabeth Bender.
However, some scenes featuring Debicki’s character feel on the nose when it comes to the goals of the “X” trilogy.
“Maxine f*cking Minx”
Image credit: A24
MaXXXine tackles trauma in two very interesting ways.
Focusing on religious and sexual trauma, Goth embodies the power and fear that comes from being a survivor.
Maxine isn’t a traditional final girl, breaking all the rules and conventions helps to define her as a horror legend.
Her confidence is a facade born from her time in the porn industry, as well as her need to get by on her own.
The trilogy centres around Goth’s ability to transform herself, playing two separate characters at different points in their lives. Whilst also, differentiating them enough that they can’t be seen as the same character.
As the film races through the first and second acts, the third brings an unexpected shift in tone that has left many baffled.
Just over an hour in, Maxine accepts her fate and ends up somewhere she was destined to be.
It’s fitting how the third act plays out the way it does. Since the “X” trilogy encapsulates all genres of their time periods.
“I will not accept a life I do not deserve”
Image credit: A24
MaXXXine isn’t perfect, but it’s a fantastic throwback to the darker side of 80’s horror.
Whilst X and Pearl arguably succeed in areas MaXXXine is lacking in, the swagger and beauty of it helps it cement its place as a modern horror classic
Ti West has discussed returning to the “X” franchise for another installment, but it’s unclear at this time if he will.
If You’re looking for a sexy, raunchy and all around fun time at the cinema, give MaXXXine a watch.
Featured image credit: A24
Fourth year Film and Journalism student
Deputy editor
Contact - deputyeditor@brignews.com
