Movie Review: Pearl (2022)
Synopsis
Set in the dazzling landscape of 1918, "Pearl" serves as a prequel to Ti West’s acclaimed horror film "X" (2022). It borrows the same universe but explores the formative years of the titular character, Pearl, who is portrayed by Mia Goth. Pearl lives on a rural farm with her controlling, wheelchair-bound mother, Ruth (played by Tandi Wright), and her father, who is afflicted by the effects of the Great War and is unable to speak. Straining under the weight of her family’s expectations and her isolated existence in a world that feels increasingly devoid of colour, Pearl harbours dreams of stardom and escape from her mundane life.
As the film unfolds, we witness Pearl’s gradual descent into madness, provoked by her ambition, haunting visions, and the constraints imposed by her familial obligations. When she becomes infatuated with an army officer who visits the area, her longing for a glamorous life collides violently with her reality. The film deftly weaves themes of ambition, repression, and horror into its narrative, culminating in a shocking climax as Pearl confronts the demons that lurk within her.
Cast of Characters
- Mia Goth as Pearl / X – The ambitious and troubled protagonist who longs for fame and escape from her life.
- Tandi Wright as Ruth – Pearl’s domineering mother, whose strict parenting exacerbates Pearl’s turmoil.
- Matthew Sunderland as The Father – Pearl’s silent and wheelchair-bound father, who embodies the effects of war and family dysfunction.
- David Corenswet as The Projectionist – An alluring army officer who becomes the object of Pearl’s desire, symbolising the life she longs for.
- Emma Jenkins-Purro as Mitsy – Pearl’s friend who represents a more carefree life but is ultimately ensnared by Pearl’s dark tendencies.
- Josephine Decker as Mrs. McKellar – A local woman who offers Pearl a glimpse of a different life, accentuating the contrast between their worlds.
Review
Ti West has carved a niche for himself in contemporary horror with his masterful blend of influences and richly layered narratives. "Pearl" is no exception; it manages to encapsulate a whirlwind of emotions while simultaneously nurturing an unsettling atmosphere that leaves audiences questioning the implications of fame, desire, and the horrors lurking within one’s psyche.
The film’s strengths lie heavily in both its cinematography and the performance delivered by Goth, who tackles the duality of Pearl with a fervour that is not just impressive but chilling. With a lush, whimsical colour palette, cinematographer Eliot Rockett paints a picture that is deceptively serene, juxtaposing the idyllic rural setting with Pearl’s inner turmoil. This contrasts sharply with the increasingly dark themes explored as the film advances; it cleverly utilises aesthetic beauty as a means of disarming the audience before plunging them into the horror of Pearl’s actions.
Mia Goth’s portrayal of Pearl is a tour de force. She masterfully guides the audience through Pearl’s transformation, from a wide-eyed girl with stars in her eyes to a woman driven by insatiable ambition. Goth’s range is demonstrated beautifully, evoking empathy and fear in equal measure. Her ability to oscillate between innocence and malevolence is staggering. In quieter moments, she embodies a sense of fragility and longing, while the film’s climax sees her unleashing a feral energy that encapsulates her character’s complete fracture.
In exploring Pearl’s psyche, the film skilfully evokes a myriad of emotions. Viewers are left grappling with their responses to her actions—conflicted by the clarity of her ambitions yet horrified by the lengths she is willing to go to achieve them. West and Goth delve into the complexities of desire: the societal pressures, the internal struggles, and the eventual rejection of morality in pursuit of dreams. Pearl’s infatuation with the projectionist serves as a tantalising moment, a brief reflection of hope that ultimately spirals into chaos. West does not shy away from showcasing the psychological toll that suppressed ambition can take, leading to a profound exploration of mental illness within the realms of horror.
The supporting cast also deserves commendation, with Tandi Wright delivering a noteworthy performance as Ruth. Her character is steeped in the old-world values of expectation and control, a dynamic that further cripples Pearl’s dreams. The representation of their relationship is pivotal, showcasing how parental figures can inadvertently become agents of repression. The tension between mother and daughter creates a palpable sense of dread, reinforcing the film’s central themes.
The film’s pacing, too, is worth noting. While it allows for moments of reflection and build-up, there are instances where the slow burn may test the patience of casual viewers. Yet, for those willing to immerse themselves in Pearl’s world, the eventual payoff is hauntingly worth the investment. The climax of “Pearl” bursts forth with a visceral energy that not only shocks but lingers, leaving a haunting echo that resonates long after the credits roll.
The final act of the film, one fraught with shocking violence and revelation, challenges the viewer to confront their own expectations of horror. It’s a bold move, daring to question traditional narrative arcs and inviting audiences to grapple with the complexity of its protagonist. "Pearl" culminates in an unexpected yet fitting conclusion, highlighting the irony of achieving one’s dreams at the cost of humanity. It is this exploration of the darker aspects of ambition that sets the film apart from other genre entries, making it a standout narrative in a sea of horror.
For those who appreciate a deepened character study embedded in the horror genre, "Pearl" proves to be a remarkable offering. It distils the essence of personal nightmares and societal pressures into a strikingly beautiful and horrific tapestry, showcasing the lengths to which individuals will go to escape their realities.
Conclusion
"Pearl" is a masterful exploration of ambition curtailed by familial obligation and the lurking shadows of conditional love. Mia Goth’s powerhouse performance anchors this unique horror tale, allowing it to transcend clichéd tropes while anchoring its narrative in emotionally potent territory. Without a doubt, Ti West presents a narrative that is as much a ballet of dreams as it is a gruesome tableau of horror.
With its unforgettable cinematography and a haunting score that accentuates the film’s emotional stakes, "Pearl" is a rich, compelling addition to the horror genre, bound to enthral and disturb in equal measure. It encourages viewers to reflect not only on the nature of their own aspirations but on the darker edges of the human experience.
For all these reasons, I would score "Pearl" an impressive 8.5 out of 10.
