If you think X is just another cheesy slasher horror, think again. This film by Ti West is a blend of porn, gore, and indie cinema with subtle intellectual depth. It follows a crew making an adult film who travel to a remote Texas farm in 1979, only to face the deranged elderly owners. The horror is not just in the violence but also in the contemplation of aging, desire, and death.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
In 1979, a group of ambitious young adults in the adult film industry, led by producer Wayne (Martin Henderson) and director RJ (Owen Campbell), travel to a remote Texas farm to shoot a porn film titled The Farmer's Daughter. The crew includes starlets Maxine (Mia Goth) and Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow), cameraman Jackson (Kid Cudi), and sound technician Lorraine (Jenna Ortega). They rent a guesthouse from elderly couple Howard (Stephen Ure) and Pearl (Mia Goth in a dual role), who seem displeased by the young people's intrusion. As night falls, tension escalates, and the religious old man begins using violence to stop the filming. The movie builds atmosphere slowly before erupting into horror in the second half.
Acting and Characters
Mia Goth delivers a standout performance in two contrasting roles: Maxine, a beautiful and ambitious aspiring star, and Pearl, a crazed old woman jealous of others' youth. She captures both charm and terror remarkably. Jenna Ortega as Lorraine serves as the audience surrogate facing the brutality. Brittany Snow and Kid Cudi add color with friendly and charismatic roles. The characters are well-developed enough to root for before being ruthlessly dispatched.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Ti West, the skilled director of vintage horror films like The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, returns with a clear style. X uses 16mm film for a grainy 70s look. Lighting and camera angles evoke classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Psycho. The score by Tyler Bates and Chelsea Wolfe blends disco with unsettling synth sounds. Murder scenes are crafted with finesse, emphasizing realism and speed over excessive gore.
Editorial Analysis
What sets X apart from typical horror is its focus on aging and repressed desire. Pearl symbolizes those abandoned by society, yearning for youth, while Maxine represents a generation obsessed with fame and success. The film questions what remains when old age arrives. The horror comes not from knives or guns but from the inevitability of time. Moreover, the explicit sex scenes aren't just for titillation but reflect the porn industry and the relationship between creators and art. The film also includes satirical humor to relieve tension before plunging back into horror.
Verdict
<p><strong>X</strong> is a horror film that exceeds expectations, blending porn and slasher genres seamlessly with reflections on aging and death. It's perfect for fans of slow-burn, art-house horror and Ti West's work. If you're looking for a horror film that's more than just gore, X is the answer.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Mia Goth's outstanding dual performance
- +Authentic 70s atmosphere that adds gravitas
- +Social commentary on aging and repressed desire
- +Creative and realistic murder scenes
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing in the first act may bore some viewers
- −Some characters are merely victims with little depth
Top Cast
FAQ
X was released in theaters on March 18, 2022. It is now available on streaming platforms such as HBO Max and Prime Video in some countries.
Yes, X is the first installment of a trilogy by Ti West and Mia Goth. Pearl is a prequel exploring the origin of the character Pearl, and MaxXxine is the upcoming sequel.
X contains considerable violence and gore, but it's not a jump-scare horror. It focuses on atmosphere and unease, so it may not be suitable for those who dislike this genre.
