Support Us
Sign Up
In this column, Zofia Wijaszka reviews forgotten, underrated, and “always worth talking” horror films that deserve a new audience’s attention and post-watch conversation. The Terror Comeback’s goal is to celebrate the horror genre, both genre in the cinema and on television.
Pearl Review: Ti West’s Gory Sequel Perfectly Illustrates Obsessive Ambition
We all have goals and dreams that we wish to accomplish in our lifetime. Whether it’s related to sports, entertainment, or our respective career paths, one tends to plan and execute their steps to achievement. Sometimes, however, one can be blinded by the desire to “win” and ends up hurting those around. The latter perfectly describes a titular character played by Mia Goth in Ti West’s Pearl, a successful follow-up to X, starring Jenna Ortega, and Brittany Snow, among others. In a sequel, West zeroes in on the vicious character from the film’s predecessor, specifically her past and a path to her own destruction.
Pearl review: Directed by Ti West
It’s 1918. Pearl (Goth) is trapped in a life she doesn’t particularly want, living and working on a remote farm, where she must care for her ailing, immobile father (Matthew Sunderland), often under the supervision of her strict, German mother (Tandi Wright). Pearl’s desire to live the shiny life from the films she obsessively watches fuels her resolve to become a star, which gradually collides with her existing reality. Soon, everything spirals out of control and the questions appear: will Pearl’s desire to be a star trump everything else?
Pearl is a slow burn. For those seeking immediate action; you will be disappointed. The creators devote the first half of the film to the introduction of the central character. West is very focused on establishing Pearl’s obsession with everything related to fame, limelight, and wealth. While X offers the audience an older version of Pearl who seeks carnal pleasures, the second film goes back in time and illustrates Goth’s character, forced to take care of her father, and help on the farm. Even though she is married, while her husband is serving in the war, Pearl’s position seems to be reduced to that of a little girl who cannot make decisions for herself.
The performances in Pearl are top-notch and continue to dazzle, just like in X. Goth is spectacular, but so is Wright, portraying an overbearing matriarch. The lead perfectly illustrates the essence of innocence and obsessive ambition. As it all comes crashing down, we ultimately see the wickedness and depravity in Pearl. With gore commencing in the second part, Pearl is a successful sequel. It gives X even more complexity, especially the older version of the same character.
Next to the film’s intriguing storyline and direction, the meticulous costume design by Malgosia Turzanska stays in the viewer’s memory—especially Goth’s denim overalls, bloody-red dress, and blue ribbon. Although with a slow build-up, Pearl truly catches up to its deranged, unhinged finale, as it gives us goosebumps due to its many gross scenes, especially the dinner scene toward the end. West’s sequel is a solid entry in this wild trilogy, there is no doubt about it. However, it’s worth noting some concerns, particularly about Goth’s abusive behavior on the set of Pearl. While it doesn’t relate to the film’s review, perhaps a little research into the subject post-viewing is a good idea.
All in all, Pearl doesn’t disappoint. While the film’s premise ponders the obsessive ambition and showcases its aftermath, the performances and costume design will impress scene after scene. As the premiere of the third installment titled MaXXXine is set for July 3rd of this year, all we can do is rewatch the two films before the premiere of the latest—let’s hope it will be another good one!
Grade: A-
Pearl is available to watch on Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount+.
Pearl
Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother. Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions, temptations, and repressions collide.
