Releasing a trilogy in the span of only 2.5 years sounds like an impossible task, especially when it ends up being one of the best horror franchises of all-time.
Once again, A24 and Ti West hold onto their credibility of never missing a beat. A24 has cemented itself as one of the most trusted studios around, consistently providing original storytelling and high quality filmmaking to the big screen.
The studio’s decision to work with West was a match made in heaven, and MaXXXine continues to prove that. The film is perfectly postured as a grand exit for one of the most iconic horror franchises of recent memory, wrapping things up for the trilogy while also honing in on its own messages and themes. It’s a gritty story with heavy giallo elements, stunning cinematography, and a striking lead performance.
For things to work out as well as they have, one woman had to give this franchise her all — and she most definitely did. To put it simply, Mia Goth is one of the best actors that the horror genre has had to offer in years. She is sensationally captivating, remarkably emotive, and wildly unpredictable, all of which make for a legendary scream queen.
In MaXXXine, Goth is surrounded by a stacked ensemble cast that lifts her to greater heights than ever before. Accompanying Goth as the biggest standouts are Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon, who both play on the tremendously campy and larger-than-life qualities of the ‘80s. In particular, Bacon truly shines as one of the antagonists throughout the film. He’s given a lot to do thanks to an extremely well-written role, and he has some of the most memorable moments from the entire film.
While not given as much to do, Lily Collins also does a phenomenal job with the few minutes she has on-screen. Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, and Michelle Monaghan are all fantastic as well, with the three actors successfully blending a strong amount of comedy into their horror performances. Every actor is able to bounce off of Maxine’s unpredictable antics very well, which allows for Goth to have some incredible scenes with almost all of the cast.
Stylistically, MaXXXine doesn’t just utilize its ‘80s flair — it fuses with it. The film’s ‘80s setting impacts almost every bit of the narrative. With references to Brooke Shields, different kinds of VHS tapes, and the crazed “Night Stalker,” the film never lets up on its chosen decade. With gross neon signs, retro fonts, and occasional fuzzy camerawork to fit the sheen of ‘80s television, those that love ‘80s aesthetics will be living in Candyland while watching this film.
Several fans of the first two films have expected MaXXXine to take the approach of a more dark, grimy, and serious thriller, but the film is actually oozing with sleazy humor and campy edge. More than anything, the film acts as both a character study and meta commentary on religious cults, the horror genre, and the devilish industry known as Hollywood.
In a Babylon (2022) and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019) kind of way, West explores the deep darkness and pure evil lurking underneath the glitz and glamour of the film industry. With Maxine Minx at the center of his tale, who becomes a Hollywood starlet right before our very eyes, the film’s depiction of Hollywood feels different enough from other films to maintain intrigue in what West is trying to express.
With sexual exploitation and religious extremism as two major throughlines, the film has so much to say and manages to successfully get everything across thanks to the dynamic character study of Maxine Minx. Unlike Pearl, which features a more upfront character study of a murderous woman striving for fame, Maxine’s desires and motivations are clear — but her demeanor is what makes her so interesting. Maxine has genuine fear in several scenes and lacks the more psychotic and unethical behaviors of Pearl, which makes her protagonist journey vastly different from that of Pearl’s. It’s a thrilling portrayal to watch, because while Pearl and Maxine have very similar goals of achieving stardom and success, their reactions to the obstacles they have to overcome feel quite different.
So, is there anything not to like about MaXXXine? Well, while the film is a perfect conclusion to the X franchise, it’s not an entirely perfect film on its own.
One’s enjoyment of the film is going to be highly dependent on one’s expectations going in. If one is expecting a more serious, scary, and chilling atmosphere, then it’s possible that disappointment is slightly on the horizon. The film does not take itself super seriously, relies quite a bit on its humorous elements, and sometimes feels like an inside joke for those working in Hollywood, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
One of the strangest choices the film makes is having half of its kills occur off-screen. For a franchise so known for its brutality and violence — which this film still has a good amount of — it feels odd to waste so many character deaths off-screen. There are some films that purposefully have off-screen kills to leave things “up to the imagination,” but that line of thinking doesn’t work here. There is no “imagining” to really be had, so it felt peculiar to continuously murder characters without showcasing their final moments.
For those who enjoyed X and Pearl, it will be hard to feel anything but satisfied after watching this final installment. Those that prefer X to Pearl will probably feel slightly more at home while watching this film, but there’s bits and pieces from both films that creep their way into the storytelling of this last chapter. It’s a true treasure chest for fans of ‘80s horror and feels like a significant ending for a significant franchise.
Maxine Minx is finally the Hollywood star she’s deserved to be, and it’s time for the whole world to know her name.
MaXXXine releases in theaters on July 5.
