Movie Review: X (2022)
Synopsis
Set in the late 1970s, X is a horror film directed by Ti West that combines elements of slasher and psychological thriller with an homage to classic grindhouse cinema. The narrative follows a group of filmmakers who journey into rural Texas to shoot an adult film titled The Farmer’s Daughter. With dreams of fame and fortune, the cast and crew hope their venture will be the breakthrough they need.
The group consists of aspiring director Wayne (Martin Henderson), starlet Maxine (Mia Goth), producer RJ (Owen Campbell), and his girlfriend Lorraine (Jenna Ortega), alongside veteran adult actress Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow). As they settle into an isolated farmhouse to begin production, they soon encounter their elderly hosts, Howard (Stephen Ure) and Pearl (also played by Mia Goth), who are curious about the film and its participants.
What begins as an exploration of lust, ambition, and artistic aspiration quickly devolves into a terrifying struggle for survival as motivations collide and secrets are revealed. Tensions rise, and disturbing truths come to light, leading to a gruesome series of events where the desire for fame and the horrors of old age intertwine. The film cleverly taps into themes of desire, vulnerability, and the cost of ambition, ultimately culminating in a brutal clash between generations and ideologies.
Cast List
- Mia Goth as Maxine/ Pearl
- Martin Henderson as Wayne
- Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne
- Jenna Ortega as Lorraine
- Owen Campbell as RJ
- Stephen Ure as Howard
- Matthew Sunderland as Sheriff
Review
Ti West has established himself as a nod to the resurgence of retro horror, and with X, he effectively revives and reimagines the blend of eroticism and terror that characterises the genre. The film opens with a raw and unflinching portrayal of a filmmaking crew, balancing the dreams of a youthful cast with the underlying dread of their choice to venture into a sinister territory rife with moral quandary.
One of the strengths of X lies in its ability to depict the tension between youth and age. The film meticulously sets the stage for its duality, showing the vibrant energy of the young filmmakers at odds with the decay and hidden terrors of their hosts. The elderly couple, Howard and Pearl, act as reminders of what the industry may leave behind: the brutal costs of fading beauty and a relentless pursuit for relevance. In many ways, they serve as embodiments of the horrors that age and societal neglect can produce, leading to a monstrous retaliation when their life choices are threatened.
The performances in X are commendable, with Mia Goth delivering a standout dual performance as both the ambitious Maxine and the twisted, desperate Pearl. Goth’s portrayal is haunting and multifaceted; she effortlessly shifts between the naive starlet yearning for success and the sorrowful yet threatening old woman grappling with deeply embedded feelings of worthlessness and longing. The dichotomy presented through these two characters serves as a multi-layered examination of femininity and societal standards of allure.
Martin Henderson as Wayne reflects the overconfident director whose bravado is quickly shattered by the unraveling horror. His evolution throughout the film encapsulates the theme of ambition gone awry, representing the male gaze in a space dominated by desires that he simultaneously believes he can control. Brittany Snow’s Bobby-Lynne untilises a charming blend of sarcasm and vulnerability, creating a sympathetic figure amidst the chaos around her.
Jenna Ortega’s Lorraine serves as a moral compass of sorts; her character battles internal conflicts revolving around morality, love, and ambition. Her performance shines particularly in the quieter moments, delivering a subtle commentary on the themes of innocence and the reality of the adult entertainment industry.
The cinematography by Eliot Rockett deserves notable mention for its authentic recreation of the 1970s aesthetic. Shot on grainy film, the visual quality evokes the texture of classic horror while the framing masterfully builds tension. The shadows cast across the farmhouse juxtaposed with the bright set lights of the film shoot establish an unsettling duality, enhancing the film’s nightmarish atmosphere.
Musically, X utilises a haunting score that complements the tone and heightens the palpable tension. The sound design skews between the serene and the sinister, with the juxtaposition mirroring the characters’ internal tensions. The curated soundtrack reflects the era’s cultural landscape, capturing the youthful abandon that drives the narrative.
Despite its many strengths, X is not without its flaws. Some may find its pacing uneven in the first half, where the focus on character development and dialogue can momentarily whip suspense into stagnation. Moreover, the film oscillates between parodic homage and earnest horror. While this duality is achieved with a level of dexterity, it may not sit well with all audiences, particularly those seeking traditional horror fare without an underlying commentary.
Furthermore, the film’s thematic explorations could feel somewhat heavy-handed at times, particularly in its critique of societal notions of beauty, youth, and the price of ambition. Audiences might find specific plot points wrapped in metaphor that distract from the visceral horror unfolding, as moments of deep introspection interlace with graphic violence.
However, as a holistic package, X stands out in contemporary horror. It juxtaposes the joys of youth with the terrors of mortality, establishing a lingering sense of dread whilst confronting the darker aspects of desire. West’s undertaking invites viewers to question not just the characters’ fates, but also their own preconceptions about desire, legacy, and the lengths they might go to for recognition.
The climax of the film thrusts the audience into a vortex of chaos and bloodlust, leading to a confrontation both literal and metaphorical. The final moments resonate within the context of the entire film, urging viewers to reflect upon the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams and the inevitable horrors that stare back at them from the depths of the past.
X ultimately encapsulates a fear not just of the immediate, but of forgotten histories, cringe-worthy truths about human nature, and the disquieting reality of mortality—ideal themes for a horror film that seeks to provoke thought alongside frights.
In conclusion, Ti West’s X crafts a unique blend of homage and innovation within the horror genre. With stand-out performances, striking visuals, and a rich thematic palette, it delivers both frights and reflections that linger long after the credits roll.
Score: 8.5/10