In the realm of contemporary horror, few franchises have carved out a space as distinct and unsettling as the X series. Beginning with X (2022), a gritty homage to 1970s exploitation horror, and followed by Pearl (2022), a haunting character study wrapped in Technicolor nightmares, the saga has evolved into a modern horror phenomenon. With Maxxxine (2024), the final instalment of this trilogy, director Ti West brings the story full circle, delivering a film that is both a chilling continuation and a fitting conclusion to the twisted narrative that began with blood and ambition on a desolate farmstead.
Maxxxine takes place in the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, where the eponymous character, Maxxxine Minx, continues her pursuit of fame. The film’s setting—gritty, glamorous, and dangerous—echoes the complex duality that has defined Maxxxine’s journey from an aspiring starlet to a figure of horror lore. Fans of the series have eagerly awaited this chapter, anticipating both the evolution of Maxxxine’s character and the culmination of the trilogy’s thematic threads.
In this review, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Maxxxine (2024), exploring how it stands within the trilogy and as a standalone horror film. While avoiding plot spoilers, we’ll assess the film’s narrative, direction, performances, and overall impact.
One of the standout aspects of Maxxine is the titular character’s evolution. Across the trilogy, Maxxine has transformed from a wide-eyed, ambitious young woman into a hardened, multifaceted figure. The film delves deep into her psyche, exploring the toll of her relentless pursuit of fame and the shadows that accompany it.
Maxxine allows viewers to witness the culmination of her journey, capturing the complexities of her character with nuance. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of her ambition, portraying her not just as a victim of her circumstances, but also as an architect of her own downfall. This layered portrayal makes Maxxine one of the most compelling horror protagonists in recent memory.
The movie also does a commendable job of tying together the narrative threads from X and Pearl, providing a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy’s exploration of fame, identity, and the cost of achieving one’s dreams. Maxxine’s journey is as much about survival as it is about self-discovery, and the film’s exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and chilling.
The film’s setting in 1980s Los Angeles is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Maxxine meticulously recreates the era’s distinctive atmosphere, from the neon-soaked streets to the glitzy yet seedy underbelly of Hollywood. The film captures both the allure and the danger of this time period, reflectin Maxxxine’s own dual nature.
The aesthetic choices in Maxinne are impeccable, with the film’s visual style drawing heavily from the era’s iconic horror and thriller films. The use of practical effects, combined with grainy film stock and period-accurate set design, immerses viewers in a world that feels both familiar and disconcertingly off-kilter. The 1980s music, fashion, and pop culture references are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of nostalgia and authenticity.
The setting also enhances the film’s thematic exploration of the dark side of fame. Los Angeles in the 1980s was a place where dreams were made and shattered, a perfect metaphor for Maxinne’s journey. The city’s glitzy exterior contrasts sharply with the grim realities lurking beneath, much like the protagonist herself.
Ti West’s direction in Maxinne is nothing short of masterful. His ability to build tension and atmosphere is on full display, with the film maintaining a relentless sense of dread from start to finish. West’s careful pacing allows for moments of quiet introspection to be punctuated by sudden bursts of horror, keeping the audience on edge throughout.
The cinematography in Maxinne is also worth noting. The film makes excellent use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that reflects the dualities present in the story. The contrast between the bright, artificial lights of Hollywood and the darkness that surrounds Maxinne’s life is stark, symbolizing the clash between her aspirations and her reality. The use of color, particularly the vibrant neon hues that characterize the 1980s, adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
West’s direction also shines in the film’s horror sequences. Rather than relying solely on jump scares, Maxinne builds its terror through atmosphere, character tension, and psychological horror. This approach creates a sense of lingering unease, making the scares all the more impactful when they do occur.
Mia Goth delivers a powerhouse performance as Maxxine, fully embodying the character’s complexities and contradictions. Goth’s portrayal is both raw and controlled, capturing Maxxine’s vulnerability, determination, and the darkness that lies beneath her surface. Her performance anchors the film, providing an emotional core that grounds the horror in a deeply personal narrative.
Goth is supported by a strong ensemble cast, each bringing their characters to life with authenticity. The supporting characters, many of whom are drawn from the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, are vividly portrayed, adding texture to the film’s world. These performances help to elevate Maxxine beyond typical horror fare, creating a film that is as much about character study as it is about scares.
Particularly noteworthy are the interactions between Maxxine and the various figures she encounters on her journey. These interactions are charged with tension, as the characters navigate the power dynamics and moral ambiguities that define their world. The cast’s ability to convey these complexities adds depth to the film’s narrative.
At its core, Maxxine is a film about identity and the lengths to which one will go to achieve recognition. The movie explores the psychological toll of fame, the sacrifices made along the way, and the often-blurred line between the person and the persona. These themes resonate strongly in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, making the film both relevant and unsettling.
The film’s exploration of identity is particularly compelling in the way it examines Maxxine’s struggle to reconcile her public image with her true self. As she delves deeper into the Hollywood machine, the boundaries between who she is and who she wants to be begun to blur, leading to moments of profound existential crisis. This exploration is handled with sensitivity and depth, adding layers to the horror elements of the film.
While Maxxine excels in building atmosphere and tension, the film’s middle act suffers from pacing issues. After a gripping opening and before the intense climax, the narrative slows down as it delves deeper into Maxxine’s internal struggles and her interactions with the seedy characters of Hollywood. While these scenes are essential for character development, they can feel drawn out, causing the film to lose some of its momentum.
This pacing issue might be more pronounced for viewers who are expecting a faster-paced horror experience. The film’s deliberate pacing is a double-edged sword: it allows for deep character exploration, but it also risks losing the audience’s engagement during its quieter moments. Tightening these sections could have helped maintain the film’s tension throughout.
While Maxxine is successful in many areas, it occasionally falls into the trap of relying on familiar horror tropes. Elements such as the morally ambiguous mentor figure, the descent into madness, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals are well-worn territory in horror cinema. While these tropes are executed with skill, they may feel somewhat predictable to seasoned horror fans.
The film’s reliance on these familiar elements doesn’t detract significantly from its overall impact, but it does prevent Maxxine from being as innovative as it could have been. A more daring approach to the narrative structure or a subversion of these tropes could have elevated the film even further, making it a standout in a crowded genre.
While Maxxine herself is given ample development, some of the supporting characters feel underutilized. Characters who play significant roles in her journey—such as fellow aspiring actors, industry gatekeepers, and those from her past—are introduced with intriguing backstories, but their arcs are not fully explored. This results in a few characters feeling more like plot devices than fully realized individuals.
This limited exploration is particularly noticeable in the film’s second act, where the focus is heavily on Maxxine’s internal struggles. While this focus is understandable given that she is the central character, a more balanced approach that also delves into the lives and motivations of the supporting cast could have added depth to the narrative.
Despite its strengths, Maxxine ultimately leads to a conclusion that, while satisfying, may feel somewhat predictable to those familiar with the genre. The film follows a narrative trajectory that aligns closely with the themes established in X and Pearl, resulting in an ending that, while fitting, doesn’t offer any major surprises.
This predictability doesn’t diminish the emotional impact of the film’s finale, but it does make the conclusion feel less innovative than the buildup. For a series that has prided itself on subverting expectations, Maxxine plays it relatively safe in its final moments, opting for a resolution that ties up the trilogy’s thematic threads rather than delivering a shocking twist.
While the film’s aesthetic is one of its greatest strengths, there are moments where the focus on visual style seems to overshadow the substance of the scene. In some instances, the meticulous attention to period detail and visual flair can feel like it’s compensating for a lack of narrative progression. These scenes, while visually stunning, may come across as style over substance, potentially detracting from the overall impact.
This emphasis on aesthetics is not inherently negative, but it does create a few moments where the narrative momentum stalls in favor of creating a visually arresting image. While these scenes contribute to the film’s atmosphere, they might also leave some viewers wishing for a stronger narrative drive in these moments.
Maxxine (2024) is a fitting and evocative conclusion to the X trilogy, offering a character-driven horror experience that is both chilling and thought-provoking. The film excels in its portrayal of Maxxine’s complex character arc, its immersive 1980s setting, and its atmospheric direction. Mia Goth’s performance is a standout, anchoring the film with a portrayal that is both intense and nuanced.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Pacing issues in the middle act, reliance on familiar horror tropes, and underdeveloped supporting characters are drawbacks that prevent Maxxine from achieving its full potential. Additionally, while the film’s conclusion is satisfying, it may feel predictable to some viewers.
Despite these shortcomings, Maxxine remains a compelling and visually stunning horror film that will resonate with fans of the series and the genre. It successfully ties together the narrative threads of the trilogy, providing a conclusion that is both thematically rich and emotionally resonant. For those who have followed Maxxine’s journey from the beginning, this final chapter offers a haunting and memorable farewell. I would give Maxxine (2024) an 8 out of 10.
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