Horror films have always had a way of reflecting societal anxieties, pushing boundaries, and reinventing themselves with each passing generation. Among the modern horror franchises, few have captivated audiences quite like Ti West’s X movie trilogy. Consisting of X (2022), Pearl (2022), and the upcoming MaXXXine (2024), this trilogy has not only reinvigorated the slasher genre but also provided a deep, character-driven narrative that explores themes of fame, repression, and mortality.
The Birth of X: A Retro Slasher with a Fresh Perspective
Released in 2022, X was the film that introduced audiences to Ti West’s gripping and stylish take on horror. Set in 1979, the film follows a group of young filmmakers who set out to make an adult film in rural Texas. Led by aspiring actress Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), the group rents a cabin on a secluded farm owned by an elderly couple, Howard and Pearl. Their presence, however, ignites a night of terror as Pearl’s suppressed desires and envy boil over into violent rage.
What set X apart from other slashers was its ability to blend nostalgia with a modern sensibility. West drew heavy inspiration from 70s horror classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), using grainy cinematography, slow-building tension, and gritty realism to create an unsettling atmosphere. Unlike many horror films that rely purely on gore and jump scares, X balanced its brutality with compelling characters, making the audience genuinely care about their fates.
Another standout aspect was Mia Goth’s dual performance as both Maxine and Pearl. With the aid of heavy prosthetics and subtle physical cues, Goth seamlessly inhabited both roles, providing a fascinating contrast between youthful ambition and bitter regret. This duality became the foundation for the trilogy’s deeper exploration of identity and aging.
Pearl: A Villain’s Tragic Origin Story
While X was a slasher film in the traditional sense, Pearl (2022) took a completely different approach. Acting as a prequel to X, the film is set in 1918 and follows a young Pearl as she dreams of escaping her monotonous farm life to become a famous actress. However, as her ambitions are met with resistance from her strict mother and the grim realities of her world, Pearl slowly descends into madness.
Unlike X, Pearl is more of a psychological horror film, heavily influenced by classic Hollywood films, particularly The Wizard of Oz (1939). The bright, technicolor aesthetic of the film contrasts sharply with its dark, disturbing subject matter. West’s decision to present Pearl’s descent in a visually stunning, almost dreamlike manner makes her tragic transformation all the more haunting.
Goth delivers a career-defining performance, portraying Pearl with a mix of vulnerability, desperation, and unhinged rage. Her extended monologue near the film’s climax—where she confesses her darkest thoughts and fears—became one of the most talked-about moments in modern horror, showcasing Goth’s extraordinary acting range.
What makes Pearl so compelling is how it humanizes its antagonist. Unlike many purely monstrous horror villains, Pearl is someone who could have led a different life if circumstances had been kinder. The film invites sympathy while still showcasing her terrifying potential for violence, making it one of the most unique villain origin stories in recent memory.
Anticipating MaXXXine: The Final Chapter
Following the success of X and Pearl, West announced the third and final installment, MaXXXine, which is set to release in 2024. Unlike Pearl, which delved into the past, MaXXXine continues Maxine Minx’s journey after surviving the events of X. Set in the 1980s, the film will follow Maxine as she navigates Hollywood’s seedy underbelly in pursuit of stardom.
While details about the plot remain scarce, MaXXXine is expected to explore the darker side of fame, the exploitation of women in the entertainment industry, and the psychological toll of survival. Given that both X and Pearl provided deep thematic explorations beyond their horror elements, it’s likely that MaXXXine will offer a similarly layered narrative.
West has hinted that MaXXXine will lean into the neon-soaked, synth-heavy aesthetic of 80s cinema, drawing inspiration from films like Body Double (1984) and To Live and Die in L.A. (1985). This stylistic shift will not only distinguish the final chapter from its predecessors but also reflect Maxine’s evolution as a character.
Thematic Depth: Aging, Ambition, and Mortality
One of the reasons why the X trilogy has resonated so deeply with audiences is its exploration of themes that go beyond the horror genre. At its core, the trilogy is a meditation on aging, desire, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Pearl’s character arc embodies the fear of lost potential and the bitterness of a life unfulfilled. In X, we see her react violently to youth and sexuality, while Pearl gives us the tragic backstory that led her to that point. Maxine, on the other hand, represents ambition and resilience, refusing to accept a fate dictated by others. Their parallel journeys provide a haunting commentary on how time and circumstance shape individuals in profoundly different ways.
The Legacy of the X Trilogy
As the trilogy nears its conclusion, it’s clear that Ti West has created something special in the horror genre. By blending elements of classic cinema with modern storytelling, he has crafted a series of films that are both terrifying and thought-provoking. The X trilogy isn’t just about blood and gore—it’s about the human experience, the desire for greatness, and the horrors of time itself.
Whether MaXXXine will conclude the trilogy on a high note remains to be seen, but if the first two films are any indication, audiences are in for another unforgettable horror experience. The X trilogy has already cemented itself as a landmark in contemporary horror, proving that even in a genre known for its brutality, there is still room for depth, artistry, and emotional weight.
