Ti West has had some interesting flicks in his career including House of the Devil, The Innkeepers and Sacrament to name a few. In 2022 his film X was unleashed on fans and racked up some critical acclaim. What fans didn’t know was that West and his X star Mia Goth had reteamed to shoot a prequel back-to-back with X called Pearl that was released that same year.

 

Now the film teased at the end of Pearl is here with the third chapter in the series Maxxine starring Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon with Mia Goth reprising the role once again and Ti wEst back in the director’s chair. Can this latest chapter do more to make Maxine a star or will she miss her cue?

 

Maxxxine follows adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx who finally gets her big break in 1980s Hollywood. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

 

I loved the first two films for so many reasons with a big part being that each film is so different in its storytelling while still being connected. This film follows suit with it closer in style to X, but still a vibe all its own. The decision to infuse the story into the real-life situation of the Night Stalker serial killer was a brave choice. Have no fear, it is more of the backdrop of the film as opposed to the changing of history like others have and works perfectly.

 

The film works more than anything thanks to the brilliance of Mia Gotha and her portrayal of Maxine. While more on track to be a star than when we first met here, there is still some of that innocence there that is only masked by the hardened exterior from the previous events she had to endure. They fully keep her PTSD style elements intact but instead of just making her a victim, it