Director Ti West’s X series has carved out a unique space in the horror genre, and with the release of MaXXXine, the trilogy reaches its riveting conclusion. This final installment underscores West’s talent as a contemporary horror filmmaker, delivering a film that is both visually captivating and narratively engaging.
MaXXXine continues the story from 2022’s X, following the titular character, Maxine “F-ckin'” Minx (Mia Goth), now in the glitzy yet grimy world of 1980s Hollywood. Her journey is anything but glamorous; she resides in a dilapidated apartment on Hollywood Boulevard and spends her days working in adult films and sex shops.
Despite her surroundings, Maxine remains laser-focused on her dream of becoming a star.
The film opens with a flashback of a young Maxine in an old black-and-white film, declaring her desire to be famous. Her father prompts her to recite their mantra with conviction: “I will not accept a life I do not deserve.”
Fast forward to 1985 Los Angeles, against the backdrop of the Night Stalker murders, Maxine lands a significant role in the horror sequel The Puritan II despite her background in the adult film industry. Ecstatic, she shares the news with her friend Leon (Moses Sumney) and fellow adult entertainer Tabby (Halsey). Meanwhile, another of Maxine’s colleagues, Amber (Chloe Farnworth), performs for a mysterious leather-clad figure who reacts violently. Amber later mentions a Hollywood Hills party, which both she and Tabby plan to attend, but Maxine declines their invitations.
Soon after, Amber and Tabby are shown tied up and pleading at a house before being recorded and forced into a mysterious room. The same leather-clad figure leaves a disturbing sex tape for Maxine, prompting her to ask Leon to investigate its origin. Maxine is then approached by private investigator John Labat (Kevin Bacon), who warns her that her past crimes will be exposed unless she meets with his employer. Refusing to be intimidated, Maxine attacks Labat when she discovers he is following her. It’s revealed that the leather-clad figure hired Labat.
Detectives Torres (Bobby Cannavale) and Williams (Michelle Monaghan) question Maxine about Tabby and Amber, but she remains tight-lipped. Arriving late to set, she faces the wrath of director Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki), who warns her not to jeopardize her chance at stardom. During a plaster mold session with Sophie Thatcher, for The Puritan II, Maxine has a breakdown as memories of her past in Texas flood back.
Maxine’s determination is unwavering, and she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.
Ti West’s direction is masterful, blending suspense, gore, and dark humor. MaXXXine, like X and Pearl, pays homage to classic film genres. While X was a tribute to Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and Pearl nodded to the grand musicals of Fred Zinnemann, Maxxine embraces the stylized thrillers of the 1980s. West draws inspiration from Brian De Palma’s Body Double and the surreal world of David Lynch, creating a film that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
The film’s cinematography is a visual treat, with DP Eliot Rockett capturing the neon-lit allure of 1980s Hollywood. The atmospheric score by Tyler Bates enhances the film’s tension and mood.
West skillfully incorporates classic Los Angeles settings, from the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to the Chinese Theater, pre-TCL branding. Iconic locations like the Walk of Fame, a modernist mansion in the hills, and the Bates Motel are all featured, adding authenticity to the film. The scenes at Universal Studios, including the famous backlot tour, are a delightful touch for cinema enthusiasts. Watch a clip below:
REELated:
Maxxine delves into themes of ambition and the dark side of fame. Maxine’s relentless pursuit of stardom amidst the seedy backdrop of Hollywood explores exploitation, identity, and the corrupting influence of the Hollywood dream. These themes are compellingly presented, leaving the audience with much to reflect upon.
Goth once again shines as Maxine, delivering a performance that captures the character’s desperation and drive. Goth’s portrayal is both intense and layered, showcasing Maxine’s complex personality.
The supporting cast brings depth and vibrancy to the film. Debicki is captivating as a serious English female director working within the Hollywood male-dominated system. Halsey adds charm and humor as a brassy best friend, while Moses Sumney’s character, a video store clerk with a vast knowledge of cinema, provides a unique perspective.
Lily Collins enjoys a playful role as a rising scream queen, and Bacon basks in campy glee for his part as a corrupt private investigator. Giancarlo Esposito transforms into a small-time agent/manager/fixer, while Monaghan and Cannavale portray bickering homicide detectives with chemistry and wit.
While Maxxine delivers several gruesome murders, it leans more toward horror satire than outright terror. The film provides plenty of gore and variety, but it may not evoke deep fear. This could reflect Maxine’s own jaded outlook, which might resonate with the audience.
Additionally, the film sometimes gets caught up in its campy and grandiose production, overshadowing Goth’s Maxine. Unlike Pearl, where Goth had stunning and clever scenes such as making love to a scarecrow, or X, where she played dual roles, MaXXXine lacks such standout moments.
Goth remains compelling again as the titular, especially in a killer audition scene, but her character feels less developed compared to her roles in the previous films. Though the camera is pointed at her most of the time, the supporting cast often steals the spotlight, adding richness to the narrative.
BOTTOM LINE: MaXXXine is a fitting end to Ti West’s horror trilogy. It offers a gripping story, outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes. However, it occasionally loses focus amid its stylish homage to 1980s thrillers. For horror fans, MaXXXine is still worth seeing, but it might not achieve the iconic status of its predecessors. It’s a REEL SEE.
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The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
