X is a 2022 horror film by Ti West that couples an homage to 1970s grindhouse cinema with an exploration of aging, repression, sexuality, and the price of fame. X is not just a slasher film; it is a stylish and thoughtful commentary on genre expectations brimming with rich symbolism and unforgettable imagery.
Plot Summary
X begins with a group of young filmmakers in rural Texas in 1979. They are renting a remote farmhouse to film an adult movie called The Farmer’s Daughters. The group includes aspiring actress Maxine Minx, her producer boyfriend Wayne, co-stars Bobby-Lynne and Jackson, and the film’s director RJ with his quiet girlfriend, Lorraine, who operates the boom mic.
Their plan is to create an erotic film with some artistic merit. They hope to monetize the expanding home video market. They do not tell the elderly couple who owns the property, Howard and Pearl, about the film’s content. Initially, the atmosphere odd and quiet, but the group embraces creative and sexual freedom. Things quickly shift to darkness, however, when Pearl becomes obsessively fixated on Maxine.
As Pearl’s simmering resentment regarding her lost youth and unfulfilled ambitions intensifies, it manifests violently. Together with her husband Howard, Pearl embarks on a murderous spree targeting the youthful group one by one. What began as an ambitious shoot for an independent film devolves into a night of terror and survival.
Characters and Performances
Maxine Minx / Pearl (Mia Goth)
Mia Goth portrays the dual roles of the driven young Maxine and the elderly, bitter Pearl. Her performance is chilling, subtle, and emotionally rich. Maxine epitomizes vivacious youthful ambition, sexual autonomy, and uninhibited freedom, while Pearl encapsulates a life marked by regret, jealousy, and a nostalgia for what’s been irrevocably lost. Goth’s metamorphosis into Pearl, laden with heavy prosthetics, deepens her portrayal and is nothing short of stunning.
Wayne (Martin Henderson)
Wayne, the producer, is confident and charismatic. He is supportive of Maxine but is cavalier and opportunistic. His calm demeanor is merely a mask that conceals a quest for fame and fortune, regardless of the dangers posed to other people.
Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow)
Bobby-Lynne is a blonde bombshell with a big heart and bold personality. She proudly embraces her work as part of the sex industry. As she adds joy and levity to the group, her later fate becomes all the more tragic.
Jackson Hole (Kid Cudi)
A Vietnam veteran who was later involved in the adult film industry, Jackson possesses a calm demeanor that approaches confidence and introspection. His role provides depth to a character which would otherwise be rather simplistic.
RJ (Owen Campbell)
The director of the movie is overly concerned with bestowing artistic merit to the adult film. His sinking ship of idealism confronts reality when he decides to cast his girlfriend Lorraine as part of the production.
Lorraine (Jenna Ortega)
Judgmental and introverted at first, Lorraine becomes curious about the film and wishes to reconcile her differences with RJ to participate. Her metamorphosis into a self-assured woman is nonetheless short-lived as she is subsequently subjected to the horrific events that ensue.
Howard and Pearl (Stephen Ure and Mia Goth)
The franchise’s terror stems from Howard’s more subdued but still sinister involvement alongside Pearl’s unfulfilled sexual drives. The twisted intimacy underscores the horror of growing old.
Themes and Symbolism
- Youth vs. Aging
The stark contrast between X’s focal points – youth and old age – is perhaps its most prominent theme. Pearl enviously recalls her youthful days and is reminded of everything she has lost in aging. The film refrains from portraying old age as a monstrous figure, instead sheds light on society’s fixation on youth, revealing how it fosters isolation and bitterness in those left behind.
- Repression and Sexuality
Pearl’s violent outbursts are intensified by her sexual frustration. The desire for warmth and closeness, stifled by social norms and age, turns into something deeply destructive. The young filmmakers, however, unapologetically embrace sexuality as a form of freedom, liberation, and self-expression.
- The Illusion of Control
The filmmakers believe they are in command of their story and the setting, yet they remain oblivious to the environment and people whom they have ignored and dismissed. The horror does not stem from supernatural forces, but from human feelings such as envy, lust, regret, and rage—feelings we often overlook.
- Identity and Reinvention
Maxine constantly repeats, “I will not accept a life I do not deserve.” Her resolve to claim stardom sharply contrasts to Pearl’s unrealized aspirations. Both women seek the same basic yearning: to be perceived, adored, and remembered. The tragic reality lies in the divergent paths they take to pursue these ends.
Cinematography and Direction
Ti West masterfully and deliberately shapes X, as is characteristic of his slow-burn horror style. The film begins with the grainy look of the 1970s, employing authentic period clothing and music while using period film stock. The rural setting is introduced with long takes and wide-angle shots that are thoughtfully composed, which also foreshadows the impending violence.
The horror stylization is unflinching and visceral. This film do not rely on pageantry of jump scares for effect; rather, it uses atmosphere combined with silence and haunting imagery to instill a sense of dread. The tension is exacerbated by the setting; a farmhouse, creaky and worn, isolated yet expansive, suffocating yet wide open.
What once was a peaceful countryside now has potent screams echoing through it. The soundtrack introduces dissonant pianos and ambient sounds, later on introducing classic rock, giving the film a retrofitted feel. The editing gives a sharp contrast between slow serene moments accompanied by sudden violent outbursts, giving harsh screams of silence and invigorating cuts.
Reception and Legacy
Critics and horror fans alike received X with roaring acclaim upon release. Some fans took notice of the brutal homage to classics such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre while a plethora of others praised the film’s thematic undertones of aging, sexuality, and mortality.
X was noticed for and praised on the sharp emotionality in the performances, particularly Goth’s Mia’s dual role, and bold cinematic style. In addition to all of this, it was refreshing in the world of horror as it possessed emotional depth and raw brutality.
Following the success of X, it was announced that two more films would be added; Pearl, a prequel focused on tracing the origin of the elderly antagonist, and MaXXXine, a sequel revolving around Maxine’s journey to Hollywood. This culminated a sudden character driven psychologically intricate horror franchise with social commentary.
Conclusion
X weaves slasher horror, psychological drama, and cultural commentary into a single film. It goes beyond confronting an audience with blood and terror; it strips away genre expectations to reveal deeply human elements within. Rich characters, stylistic brilliance, and thematic depth work together to provide reflection rather than mindless thrills.
Ti West does not merely pay tribute to 1970s horror; he uses X to empathetically reimagine its genre roots. It dares audiences to look deeper—whether at youth, beauty, genre tropes—and confront the anguish of invisibility, neglect, and abandonment.
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