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Join Telegram Channel(Local report from Toronto, Canada) The slasher horror trilogy “X” series, directed by Ti West and starring Mia Goth. Following “X,” which featured the oldest killer in history, and “Pearl,” which depicted the old woman Pearl's younger days, the final installment, “MaXXXine,” was released in the United States on July 5, 2024.
This film is set six years after the first film, and is a grotesque and intense story set in 1980s Hollywood. The cast is also super luxurious. Popular actress Lily Collins, known for “Emily in Paris” and other films, plays an up-and-coming “scream queen” actress, famous actor Kevin Bacon, who has appeared in classic horror films, plays a creepy private detective, and popular singer Halsey plays the protagonist's colleague.
Los Angeles in 1985, when the Night Stalker murders shocked the world. Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), the only survivor of the tragedy in the first film, “X,” makes a living by appearing in adult videos and peep shows. She auditions for the lead role in the new horror film “The Puritan II,” and finally takes a step toward her dream of becoming a star. However, as if to thwart her dream, a series of murders occur around her. Furthermore, a mysterious presence pursues Maxine, such as a porn video she filmed six years ago being delivered to her home.
As the final part of the trilogy, Maxine's brutality is depicted in a spectacular and terrifying way. The splatter scenes are reminiscent of the works of director David Cronenberg, and there are plenty of scenes that will surprise even horror fans who are tolerant of gore. There are few scenes of gradual pain, and many drastic killings, so the greatest point of this film is that it gives you a frightening sense of exhilaration. In addition, Maxine, played by Mia Goth, is obsessed with the dream of “becoming a star,” which further enhances the appeal of this film. In addition to the Hollywood sign, the film also uses the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where a star's name is engraved, and even the mansion that appears in the classic horror film on the Universal Studios lot, and there are many scenes that will inspire those who aspire to Hollywood like Maxine.
One scene to pay attention to is when Maxine makes a mold of her face for a horror movie. If you look closely at the background, you'll see that the studio is filled with bloody masks and limbs, evocative of the horror of “X”. In the scene where Maxine has liquid applied to her head to make the mold, the sound is well-crafted, making you feel like you're in Maxine's shoes. “Don't forget to breathe,” a staff member tells her, and as the timer ticks, she continues to breathe until the mold hardens… This anxiety-inducing scene is extremely creepy and creates a real sense of tension.
By the way, you can find “little connections” to “X” and “Pearl” throughout the film, such as the cocaine containers being duck-shaped, so please enjoy those too. “MaXXXine” is like a love letter to fans of the “X” series, and is a fitting finale. Who is driving Maxine, who wants to be a star, to the brink…? Will she be able to become a “star”? Keep an eye out for the surprising ending.
According to Deadline, “MaXXXine” grossed $6.7 million over the three-day opening weekend, 1.5 times the opening gross of the first “X” movie, and while it's still not as big as the $75 million grossed by “Despicable Me,” which was released on the same day, it's still a huge success for a horror movie.
“MaXXXine” is an A24 film that will let you enjoy director Ti West's meticulous craftsmanship and Mia Goth's performance to the fullest. The release date in Japan has yet to be decided.