MaXXXine is a 2024 crime thriller horror film written and directed by Ti West. The film is the 3rd in the trilogy and the sequel to X (our full review here), as it follows Mia goth’s character after the events of that film.
In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. However, as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Los Angeles, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.
The cast includes Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.
MaXXXine made its debut in theaters July 5th, courtesy of A24.
When the first trailer for X released back in late 2021 I remember thinking to myself who is this TI West guy and why does it seem like he made this movie just for me. Like seriously, I am a horror fanatic but I also grew up obsessed with the slasher genre so this film checked all the boxes for me. I had such a unique experience in the theater with this film as I was absolutely immersed from start to finish, it really was that good. I left the theater smiling ear to ear and thinking I cannot wait to see that again, but I had no idea this was the beginning of a highly successful film trilogy.
News broke fairly early on that a prequel film was not only already in the works, but was actually being worked on during the filming for X. Given the title Pearl (our full review here), writer/director Ti West envisioned building on the intriguing backstory of one of the films terrifying antagonists, while also teaming up again with star Mia Goth who played two roles in X, Maxine and Pearl. Well let me just say that as film lovers we are very lucky that West is such an ambitious man because it was very clear early on that these films were not to be missed. So, did MaXXXine live up to the hype as the final film in this trilogy? Keep reading to find out!
First and foremost, MaXXXine was a fantastic film and I enjoyed every minute of it. The collaboration between Ti West and Mia Goth is really just on another level, and experiencing what these two are able to dream up artistically has been such a treat. With X you had much more of a horror slasher vibe, Pearl was more of a psychological horror that sort of had Alfred Hitchcock vibes, but MaXXXine was different as it was very much a noir style film that in many ways paid homage to some of the more defining years of the film industry.
I loved watching the development of Mia Goth’s character as she went from lone survivor of a horrific tragedy in X to a strong career-oriented woman who refused to let anyone, or anything, get in the way of her dreams. The film ties directly back to X and also goes even deeper into some of her earlier years which becomes a significant element of the story for MaXXXine.
The film has a unique feel and a very clear identity from the start, and I was absolutely obsessed with the gritty 80’s Hollywood feel. Plus the film had some great Easter eggs for fans of 80’s films, including Moses Sumney’s character reading a throwback issue of Fangoria magazine featuring articles on Friday the 13th and the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. You also get some great Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood vibes during the film which is always fine by me. Man Ti West is good.
The story also takes the extra time to really understand Maxine’s mental state as it ties back to the traumatic events of the first film. She is a badass without question so it is easy to view her as basically unbreakable, but during certain parts of the film we get to see that she is still dealing with some of that trauma. It is pretty clear from the start that she has this feeling that she can’t escape her past which is why she works so hard to distance herself from the person she once was. Seeing the vulnerabilities with her character added a much needed emotional element to the film which also left the door open if Ti West decides to keep this franchise going.
The cast was on fire in MaXXXine, starting with the main attraction Mia Goth. To be honest before X I didn’t even know her name, not after teaming up with Ti West I can’t get her out of my head. Goth is the entire package, she has the looks and the raw acting talent, all she needs is the right writer/director to work with and Ti West was a match made in heaven for her. This film trilogy has really allowed her to shine as the brightest star in all 3 films, and she absolutely crushed it as Maxine Minx. If you are intrigued by Goth she also plays a complete psychopath in Brandon Cronenberg’s unique sci-fi thriller/body horror film Infinity Pool (our full review here), now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Starring alongside Goth is iconic actor Kevin Bacon, who has been around literally forever getting his start in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), and the original Friday the 13th (1980). Bacon is just one of those actors that can do it all, and he was so good here as he took on the role of this super sleazy private investigator named John Labat with no moral compass whatsoever. Labat is a pretty confident guy but he learns pretty quickly that getting on a collision course with seemingly sweet but incredibly vengeful Maxine was a very bad idea. Bacon’s performance was a big reason why the film worked so well and I thought he had amazing chemistry with Goth.
Giancarlo Esposito, widely known as Gus Fring in the hit series Breaking Bad, takes on the role of Maxine’s agent/entertainment lawyer Teddy Night, Esq.. I loved this character right from the start as Esposito brought this great mix of confidence and tenacity to the role. His character quickly becomes one of Maxine’s biggest allies and it was so much fun watching the relationship develop. I mean seriously, what can’t this guy do? His character is incredibly charismatic and just brings a unique element to the dynamic of the film.
The cast is honestly pretty stacked to the point where you have Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, and Moses Sumney all in supporting roles. I thought they were all incredible in each of their respective roles, but more than anything the characters they played really felt true to the 80’s era of the film. Also a worthy shoutout to Halsey, Chloe Farnworth, Sophie Thatcher, and Simon Prast, all taking on strong supporting roles.
THE VERDICT
Dynamic filmmaker Ti West and the uber-talented Mia Goth dive head first into the noir genre of film while paying homage to vintage 80’s Hollywood, MaXXXine is top-tier cinema and a worthy final chapter in the X trilogy. While X remains my favorite film of the three, this without a doubt meets the standard when it comes to the high bar set by this franchise as it peers into the psyche of the Maxine character.
One of the greatest things about these films is the fact that they get even better each time you watch them which is a testament to West and his unique vision and incredible attention to detail. If you enjoyed the other films you absolutely need to check out MaXXXine in theaters as soon as possible.
TED TAKES RATING - 7.6/10
MaXXXine is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.