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Ti West’s X trilogy leaves us with some clear takeaways: everyone seeks sensual pleasures regardless of age, and ambition can become obsessive and deadly. In the newest and final chapter, MaXXXine, both creator and central character Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) plunge us into the dark and brutal Hollywood of the 80s, weaving a tale of stardom, the price of fame, and the dangers of extreme religion.
Having witnessed Maxine’s survival in the carnage in X and explored Pearl’s youth, we now follow Maxine’s big break. This third installment charts her journey from adult film star to aspiring actress, trying to transition to mainstream Hollywood. But the past has a way of catching up. As Maxine works on a major Hollywood horror project with renowned director Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki), a mysterious killer begins targeting Hollywood stars, leaving a trail of bodies that threatens to expose Maxine’s brutal secrets. Two detectives, Williams (Michele Monaghan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale) are hot on her trail as the woman tries to juggle her new job with covering tips that lead to her in any way.
MaXXXine is a perfect finale to a trilogy that redefined the horror genre. West perfectly captures the sleazy and brutal side of 1980s Hollywood, immersing us in an era of video nasties, VHS tapes, and the rise of serial killers. Mia Goth is phenomenal as Maxine, masterfully portraying her ambition for fame and the trauma caused in X. Her character’s journey also underscores how childhood experiences shape our present and future and sometimes need confronting to move forward.
The supporting cast shines, especially Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito as Maxine’s entertainment lawyer, and Kevin Bacon, all of whom reveal Hollywood’s true nature where connections often outweigh talent. Monaghan and Cannavale also deliver memorable performances, particularly in the film’s final act. The ensemble vividly brings 80s Hollywood to life, reminding us of the origins of slasher films and the moral panic they sparked among parents at the time. West pays homage to the genre, with nods to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and its influence.
MaXXXine review – Ti West Film
MaXXXine blends horror with a dramatic story about glory and survival, capturing the glitz and dangers of that time. The impressive camerawork is reminiscent of Brian De Palma’s body of work and every element—from direction and script to set design—is meticulously crafted. While perhaps not as gory as X or Pearl, MaXXXine still delivers shocking kill scenes, particularly one at the beginning and the shock-inducing, bloody finale. The 80s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes and “Welcome To The Pleasuredome” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, adds to the film’s nostalgic appeal.
MaXXXine is poised to become a favorite installment for many. Its distinctive, palpable atmosphere of 80s Hollywood horror and the compelling central character are captivating. The film’s satisfying finale not only celebrates the slasher genre but also explores parental fears of the era, showing how easily one can shift from being a defender to an oppressor.
With this final chapter, West has crafted something extraordinary, thought-provoking, sensual, and terrifying. In a way, it’s also a solid “whodunnit” story, one where we’re trying to investigate alongside the characters and be faster than detectives Williams and Torres. MaXXXine is a great entry and a perfect end to one of the wildest, campiest, most sexual journeys in film.
Grade: A+
MaXXXine
Six years after the 'Texas Pornhouse Massacre', Maxine is now LA-based and on a driven quest to become a star in the acting world. But things take a sinister turn when bodies once again begin to fall around her.
