“MaXXXine” (2024) is directed by Ti West and has a notable cast including Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, Halsey, Moses Sumney, Kevin Bacon and Giancarlo Esposito. The film serves as a sequel to West’s “Pearl” (2022) and “X” (2022).
Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx, who is the sole survivor of the Texas Farmhouse Massacre in 1979. Maxine is trying to make her big break in Hollywood six years later, so she auditions for the lead role in a film titled “The Puritan II.” She successfully lands it, meaning her days of only being known for acting in adult films are coming to an end.
However, a mysterious serial killer named the Night Stalker is going around Los Angeles and killing young starlets. This killer threatens Maxine's dark past to be put into the limelight, which would ultimately lead her to not have the life of fame and fortune she’s always wanted.
The best parts in all three films in the “X” trilogy are Goth’s performances as Maxine and Pearl. In each film, the audience is treated to something completely different. In “X,” Goth portrays Maxine as an up-and-coming and fame desperate force. In “Pearl,” viewers get to see just how sinister Pearl is and what led her to the brink of insanity.
In “MaXXXine,” Maxine is established in the entertainment industry. She has a supportive agent in Teddy Knight (Esposito), who is willing to do anything to keep her career afloat. She is also ready to do whatever it takes to make sure that chance isn’t ruined, leading her to get her hands dirty.
The two-sided coin of Maxine and Pearl is quite interesting. Both characters want to be famous, but it seems like Pearl is the only one to cross the line and commit horrendous crimes. However, Maxine does kill Pearl at the end of “X,” and she commits more murders to make sure her acting career isn’t put in jeopardy in “MaXXXine.”
West’s writing of these two characters is superb because it subverts the expectations of the audience. The audience may initially think Maxine and Pearl aren’t similar, but “MaXXXine” proves they are. Maxine can’t escape that no matter how much she tries to deny it.
Another beautifully done aspect is the look and aesthetic of “MaXXXine.” “X” has the grungy appearance of a '70s grindhouse film, mirroring “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974), while “Pearl” has the charm of an early 1900s technicolor film like “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). For “MaXXXine,” it looks like a grainy 80s neo-noir thriller similar to “Blow Out” (1981).
Every shot is done with proper precision and given attention to detail. Like its predecessors, the music is also very well done. An original score by composer Tyler Bates, plus a handful of songs from the '80s, make for an enjoyable listening experience.
In addition to Goth, all of the other actors and actresses play their characters well. Bacon’s John Labat is a private investigator hired to find Maxine and bring her to a secret employer, and he hams it up in every scene he’s in. Debicki plays Elizabeth Bender, a hard-nosed and intense film director who gives advice to Maxine about giving your all to Hollywood if you want to make it in the industry.
The characters with lesser screen time such as Halsey’s Tabby Martin and Lily Collins’ Molly Bennett are still given scenes to show off their acting chops. A film like “MaXXXine” is a case where someone can tell all of the actors had a blast being involved in.
As for the film’s story and plot progression, this is where it suffers the most. The first two acts are solid and set the stage for an exciting third act. When the third act comes, it isn’t necessarily disappointing but rather predictable. For those who have seen “X,” they’ll be able to guess who the killer is based off of watching the trailer.
Nonetheless, the end of the film still wraps things up and the audience is treated to a good conclusion to Maxine’s character arc. Maxine finally gets what she's always wanted: to be a movie star.
“MaXXXine” and the entire “X” trilogy isn't for everyone. Fans who enjoyed the first two films are even divided after watching this latest installment. But, people shouldn't base their thoughts on a film hinged on the opinions of others. They should watch the film and form their own stance.
“MaXXXine” is currently playing in theaters. If you're a fan of “X” and “Pearl,” then this is definitely worth your time.
Rating: 3.5/5
