- Horror in America: 5 Horror Films For The 4th Of July - July 1, 2022
- Upcoming Horror: 5 Scary Movies Releasing July 1-8 - July 1, 2022
- ‘The Black Phone’: Movie Review And Rating - July 1, 2022
A24 has become synonymous with its more arthouse and abstract take on films, especially within the horror genre. The production company has had success in recent years by standing out from the pack, though their product is not for everyone. A24’s latest crack at horror comes in the form of ‘X’ directed by Ti West. It tells the story of a group of 20-somethings who set out to make an adult film and rent out a Texas farmhouse to do the filming. As one would expect, things don’t go so well in ‘X’ movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_67iqeUPfB0&t=26s
‘X’: Movie Review
Quick Summary
In 1979, Wayne Gilroy is an adult film producer who is looking to make a hit and finally break out in the world of adult entertainment. His girlfriend Maxine is the leading lady, and along with Bobby-Lynne and Jackson Hole, the small cast is complete. Joining them on their journey is director RJ and his girlfriend Lorraine, who also helps assist. The group travel outside of Houston, Texas where Wayne has discreetly rented out a farmhouse from an elderly couple, Howard and Pearl. Upon arriving, something is off about Howard and his wife Pearl, who is often seen in the distance. Howard was told it was only Wayne renting out the house, as his motives are quickly called into question.
Wayne offers Howard extra cash to let things slide, and the old man begrudgingly accepts. The filming kicks off, as Bobby-Lynne and Maxine take turns engaging in rigorous and pleasurable sexual exploration with the well-endowed Jackson hole. As the day turns to night, Pearl’s curiosity with the younger group, especially Maxine, turns to obsession. The old woman’s self-doubt about her own age grows as she longs for the memory of days gone by. It’s at this moment that a weekend of filming turns into a nightmare.
Ending: With Spoilers
The film kicks off with a crime scene at an isolated farm outside in Houston. The massacre has left several bodies mutilated, which are found by the local police. After the shocking opening, we kick back 24 hours where we are introduced to the cast in the present timeline. The film moves along at a fair pace until Pearl and Howard become aware of the adult film being shot inside their farmhouse. Pearl is clearly unwell and suffering from deep-seated mental trauma and the fear of old age.
The film teaches us that Pearl was once an inspiring dancer whose life changed during the start of World War 1. Since then, her self-confidence has withered away at her mental state at the same rate as her deteriorating physical form. Howard, elderly and struggling in his own right, is unable to meet Pearl’s sexual desires, only furthering her mental decline. Pearl quickly feels a connection to Maxine, and even makes her way into her bed at night in a disturbing scene.
One by one, Pearl finds ways to kill members of the group, with Howard acting as an accomplice in the process. In the end, Maxine is able to outwit the couple. Howard dies due to a heart attack as Pearl is left clinging to her life after a backfire shotgun blast. Maxine runs Pearl over as she drives away as the sole survivor. We close with images revealing Maxine to be the daughter of a televangelist. The same televangelist who had been on the TV at Pearl and Howard’s house.
‘X’: Movie Thoughts
Going into the film ‘X’ by Ti West, I was hopeful but skeptical. Being a fan of West’s previous movies, ‘X’ seemed like it had the makings of a potential genre hit. However, A24 is a mixed bag as many of their films feel overly pretentious and cater to an arthouse crowd. ‘X’ is a refreshing take from A24 as it’s presented in a similar fashion but also feels off-brand. The vibe feels right, as the more muted tones present a gritty and raw feel that reflects perfectly for the era of the late 1970s.
The performances across the board were steller, with Mia Goth at the top of the list. Goth performed dual roles in the film, both as Maxine and the antagonist Pearl. The score sets the mood early, which is helpful due to a slower pacing during the first half. Viewers likely won’t be scrolling their social media feed for the first half even when nothing overly exciting takes place.
With the backdrop of an adult film, nudity and sex have their place, though it’s not as gratuitous as one would expect. It’s done at just the right amount of time for it to feel natural, therefore, it doesn’t feel forced or in your face. The kills and horror within the film stand out. Some are more predictable than others, but none fail to deliver the goods for those who are gore fans. Whether it’s a knife to the neck or a gator eating someone alive, there is something for everyone in ‘X.’
Negatives
Mostly everything clicks with ‘X’ movie, though it’s not without its fault. The pacing might be an issue for some, as it does take a bit to get going in the first act. But the biggest issue regarding the story and plot is the character of Lorraine. As the girlfriend of the director, she’s very timid, often appearing shy and uncomfortable during the filming process. After a few hours of holding a boom mic, Lorraine questions the cast on their morals. Within minutes, however, Lorraine decides she wants to have sex on camera. RJ is obviously caught off guard by this and acts out, leading to Lorraine sleeping with Jackson Hole only moments later. This character decision felt entirely out of place and stands out as a rare misstep for the film.
‘X’ movie- Rating
In a year that has several must-see horror films on the list, ‘X’ movie is likely to be in the running for one of the best of the year. The cinematography by Eliot Rockett paints a beautiful backdrop of horror that is amplified by the music and sound design of Tyler Bartes and Chelsea Wolfe. Mia Goth shines in her duel role, but that shouldn’t discount the rest of the cast. Following the credits, a teaser trailer for ‘Pearl’ was played. Ti West shot a prequel in secret, starring Goth, and tells the origin story of the Pearl character. The current Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 96 percent from critics. The audience score is also solid at 79 percent. While this won’t be for everyone, it gets a strong recommendation, especially fans of the horror genre. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.