X (2022) Review
“You got that X-factor.”
Ti West’s X is an amalgamation of the “elevated” horror movies A24 has come to be known for along with that of classic “slashers.” The film’s premise is fairly simple; an up-and-coming pornography studio gets brutally murdered on the set of their new film by a deranged elderly couple. Surprisingly, even with such a “gutsy” premise, West manages to walk a fine line between gratuitous shock value and an active focus for thematic resonance amongst the narrative. There is love of the genre oozing in every beat of this; playing out initially as a movie you’ve seen before: a group of younger individuals on a roadtrip to hell. As the film goes along, it noticeably takes its time to create the story world and let the audience submerge themselves within it; a common trait in West’s filmography. Though by the end, the film may arguably be funnier than it is scary – the intent is clear as day; to make you scream, laugh, and wince. And it succeeds every step of the way.
As much as I find slashers endlessly entertaining – revamping them for a modern audience comes with its fair share of hurdles; much like latter sequels in popular horror franchises. A villain with an established and believable motive will consistently feel more engaging than that of one that functions off randomness. Of course there’s exceptions to this – namely Halloween where Michael Myers has “no motive” and that’s the horror in itself. Granted, not everyone can be John Carpenter either. Modern directors attempting to channel the “shlocky horror” of the past end up getting lost in their own nostalgic endeavors. In X – Ti West crafts the most menacing, and humanly deranged, elderly couples I’ve ever seen on-screen. And what do they kill for? Love…and jealousy. The fear of aging is one that is universally understood; channeling it within your villains and tying it within a setting of a ravenously sex-driven 70s America go perfectly hand in hand.
That said – this is a movie that just knows how to have fun. It understands why people watch horror films in the first place and rolls with it every step of the way. Sure – some of the kills are pretty openly telegraphed (*cough*crocodile*cough*) but it’s undeniable the impact they each have up until the finale. The narrative, as well as the characters, seem as if they’re going to play into their tropes but once the “horror antics” truly begin – it feels more akin to the grounded naturalism of Texas Chainsaw Massacre than that of relatively “goofier” horror films. X doesn’t try to be anything that it’s not; it’s intent focus on being a cut-and-dry horror film is abundantly clear – and it succeeds in being a very good version of that too. It’s not inherently unique, yet, feels fresh thanks to West’s love of the genre that echoes through his seamless direction.
On top of all the technical/narrative achievements – the cast really seals the deal with this one. Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega are already certified Scream Queens and it’s genuinely a delight to see them take on more “gutsy” projects as this one. Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) continues to prove his artistic endeavors not only are successful in music – but in film as well. Mia Goth also plays both Maxine Minx, an aspiring pornstar part of the crew, as well as Pearl – the elderly woman on a jealous rampage to entrap Maxine and slaughter her friends. Props to both Goth and the VFX/Makeup team because the dual role is done so well – I’m still in shock that I had no idea about it until well after my viewing. And that detail adds another layer of depth to the narrative as well.
Ti West’s X is one of the best horror movies in years. Though A24 is known for its “elevated horror” as of late – I think this will find a much broader audience; focusing on being a well-made slasher foremost and not so much a metaphorical psychological-thriller. It’s exactly what’s advertised – and more. And with news that West had filmed an entire prequel (in secret) starring Mia Goth’s Pearl, it seems horror fans have more to look forward to in the future.
