Ti West's "MaXXXine" is a slow-burning, atmospheric descent into the depths of human desperation and primal fear. "MaXXXine" is the third installment in the series of films. I admittedly haven't seen the other two films ("X" and "Pearl," both released in 2022); however, I got the jist of what the story and characters are about from trailers. However, to the film's credit, the story telling was so well crafted that I didn't need to. Ti West's direction left space for mystery and intrigue, yet enough information to keep up. Anchored by Mia Goth's unapologetically raw yet vulnerable performance, "MaXXXine" is a fitting homage to the 80s and B movie goodness. It is a perfect tension building film with a sense of unease from the opening scene to the credit roll.
The film's narrative is deceptively simple: a young woman, Maxine (Goth), lives in Los Angeles as an adult film star looking to go mainstream. In the backdrop of the story, the serial killer known as "The Night Stalker" (a real killer I remember from my childhood growing up in Los Angeles) looms over the story. When Maxine's friends start turning up dead and marked with the trademark Night Stalker branding, the police gain a particular interest in the mysterious Maxine. Soon, a shady private investigator played with a fun and unsavory southern drawl by Kevin Bacon is on Maxine's case. Then the bodies pile up as we watch one murder after another is glorious 80s slasher flick fashion.
Goth is excellent and deceptively deep, delivering a haunting and heartbreaking performance. Her portrayal of Maxine is a nuanced exploration of desperation, vulnerability, and resilience. She imbues her character with a quiet determination that makes her relatable and unstable. Her chemistry with local video rental store manager Leon (Moses Sumney) is particularly palpable.
The film's cinematography is stark and unflinching, capturing the decrepit beauty of 80s Los Angeles and its surroundings with an unsettling clarity. The score adds to the sense of unease and fun, enhancing the appeal.
What truly resonates with "MaXXXine" is its exploration of isolation. The film's characters search for connection but find only desolation. The climax is shocking and cathartic, leaving the viewer reeling from the emotional impact. The film leans heavily toward 80s B movies. It relishes in campy characters and over-the-top performances that perfectly fit the tone. You may not enjoy it if you're not into slasher flicks or have an affinity for 80s movies. But it's pretty damn good, regardless. Overall, go see "MaXXXine" if you can stomach it. With its standout performance from Mia Goth and Ti West's masterful direction, this film is an unforgettable experience that will linger in your mind like a ghostly presence.
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