Mia Goth and Halsey cut loose in Los Angeles in MaXXXine.
With MaXXXine, the third film in the X trilogy, Ti West and Mia Goth continue their journey as one of horror’s most intriguing new collaborations. It all started with X, an ultra-violent slasher that wowed audiences at SXSW. A mere four months later, they followed it up with Pearl, a prequel diving into the origin story of X’s villain. Pearl encapsulated the twisted undercurrents behind facade of classic children’s movies.
MaXXXine takes us six years forward from X into 1985 LA. Mia Goth’s character, Maxine Minx, has now become a successful porn star aiming to transition into mainstream Hollywood. The movie draws from film-noir classics like Chinatown, embedding itself in the gritty realities of LA’s studio backlots. One of the highlights is Kevin Bacon’s portrayal of a corrupt private investigator hired to track down Maxine.
The Plot Unfolds
The focal character Maxine Minx believes a part in the sequel to a gory horror flick called The Puritan could be her big break. Facing numerous trials—from her hard-nosed director (played by Elizabeth Debicki) to threats from LAPD detectives—she remains undeterred. Her mantra? I will not accept a life I do not deserve.
However, unearthing her friends’ murders turns an already arduous journey into a chilling game of survival.
A Dive into Showbiz Satire
MaXXXine shines particularly bright when it’s lampooning Hollywood’s absurdities. The movie within the movie, The Puritan II, promises over-the-top carnage but is treated by its director as if it’s poised to be the next The Godfather. Maxine’s audition for a possessed housewife role is both ridiculous and revealing, epitomizing the odd juxtaposition of Hollywood glamor and gritty reality.
The Backlot Chase Scene
A genius yet comical sequence unfolds through Universal Studios’ backlot. In hot pursuit, Bacon’s private investigator chases Goth’s starlet through mock locations—from Old West settings to the iconic Bates Motel stairs—highlighting the artificiality at play. This chase underscores how navigating Hollywood’s deceptions can lead to success or downfall.
An Unsatisfying Climax
While much of MaXXXine keeps you riveted, building on noir influences and sharp satire, its final moments falter. The climactic scenes feel mismatched with what precedes them. Instead of delving deeper into noir-inspired conclusions reminiscent of Sunset Boulevard, it veers toward a familiar slasher trope.
This misstep aside, the film impresses with its vibrant depiction of ’80s sleaze, striking satire, and brutal violence. Its supporting cast—including Giancarlo Esposito and Moses Sumney—add layers of authenticity to this tale of dream-chasing despair.
The Takeaway
Some of the best horror movies in recent years have come out of A24, and Ti West continues to be a frontrunner with his work on this trilogy. Despite some narrative missteps, MaXXXine‘s incisive commentary on fame and ambition offers plenty to admire.
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