Ti West took the world by storm in 2022 with not one but 2 horror films starring Mia Goth. She played both Pearl and Maxine Minx, the title character of his latest film. The third is in this trilogy starring Goth. As fans of the other movies will know, the character of Maxine Minx wanted to be a star in Hollywood. That’s where the third film in West’s trilogy is set. Hollywood is the perfect setting, and it’s reflective of the person MaXXXine wants to be.

In 1985, Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) is toiling away in the porn industry when she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to try out for a part in a sequel to the hit horror film The Puritan. She has a good life, but she always wants more. Just when things are on the upswing for her she gets abruptly Wayland by a detective from New Orleans John Labat (Kevin Bacon) He works for a mysterious man who may also be the serial killer known as The Night Stalker who is killing women in the Los Angeles area. It’s a bit perplexing to her as her friends keep getting killed one by one. Which makes her a suspect in the eyes of the law.

Ti West has created a masterful story of this young woman who was driven to succeed from a young age. Her father instilled in her a drive to succeed even though they had a meager life. Using religion and inspiration drove Maxine to strive for a better life. Not just the life of an exotic dancer or porn star but a Hollywood star on the big screen. She wouldn’t be the only crossover star to make a name for herself after a career in the porn industry. This isn’t exactly an understanding story, but it is a horror version of an underdog story that fits these films perfectly.

As anybody who’s talked to me knows, I love period-piece films set in the 70s or 80s. X was a prime example of one of these types of films. MaXXXine is another example as well. It is no secret that I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, which makes me a fan of films from this era. Even movies that are made decades later like now make me nostalgic in this era of films. MaXXXine has a beautiful production design showing Los Angeles in all its glory during 1985. The streets filled with theaters, stores, and various other locations look great. Also, the use of lighting throughout the movie is masterfully done, which creates incredible cinematography. This movie is gorgeous! There is just no other word to describe it. West has recreated this time and place with great precision. The look of this movie is one of the best things about it. West is great at that, especially during this trilogy.

Mia Goth is an actress who has been working for a little while now, but it wasn’t until she starred in this trilogy of films that she finally came into her own as an actress. She not only played one character but two women who had inspirations of a greater life for themselves.  She has used a southern accent to help show where she’s come from and in MaXXXine where she wanted to go. She’s not exactly a California girl, but she has made herself one in terms of her character’s ark. Goth has made this trilogy her own with the help of West’s guidance.  She should be rewarded in terms of awards nominations. She deserves that honor from my perspective. 

West has had some decent cast in the previous two films in this trilogy, but nothing like the cast he has assembled for this movie. Some of Maxine’s friends who have been killed are played by a number of famous celebrities.  Halsey, Chloe Farnworth, and Moses Sumney have memorable turns in limited roles. The detectives are played by Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Monahan. They both exude people from 1985 with their hair and clothes. The two actors that stood out to me most were Giancarlo Esposito as Maxine’s entertainment lawyer. He is funny as always, but he has a ridiculous wig that is so 80s. The other is Elizabeth Dibecki, who plays the director of the film that Maxine got a part in. She gives a lot of wisdom and friendly advice to Goth’s character. Along with Bacon and the others, this cast is amazing. They all have a good reason to exist in this story.

One of my favorite things about the third film in the X Trilogy if you will is the soundtrack. There are a number of great songs from the era of the 80s. I am a big fan of 80s music. The pop songs, rock songs, and the second British invasion were all my jams growing up as a kid during this time in history. The music in the movie helps set the mood, and there is a specific vibe that West and company is going for. In which they achieved exceptionally well.

MaXXXine is a fantastic conclusion to the X Trilogy. There are clues to the conclusion of this story scattered throughout this movie. You just have to know what to look for to figure out the mystery of who’s doing the killings. Set in the realistic era of the 80s helps the story make sense. The performance by Goth once again is exceptional, but she’s not the only one who shines in this film. Bacon, Esposito, and Debicki also give memorable turns as their respective characters. The production design and cinematography, along with the soundtrack, are all perfectly implemented in this period piece.  West has created a first-rate trilogy horror fans will remember for many years to come. This is the creme de LA creme of the horror genre this year. What a year for horror films. 

4 stars

Dan Skip Allen