Following the success of X and Pearl, director Ti West is back with the third installment of his horror trilogy, MaXXXine. This movie picks up where its predecessors left off, propelling us into the glitz and grime of early 1980s Hollywood. With Mia Goth reprising her role as Maxine “Max” Minx, MaXXXine channels the classic elements of slasher films while offering a modern twist on the genre.
Mia Goth’s Compelling Performance
Mia Goth’s portrayal of Maxine is a true highlight of the film. Her character, a survivor of a chilling massacre, seeks fame in Hollywood amidst the dread of the Night Stalker’s reign. The names of some of the stars involved include Elizabeth Debicki
, who plays Elizabeth Bender, adding depth to an already stellar cast.
An Ensemble Cast that Shines
MaXXXine boasts an impressive lineup—Halsey delivers a striking performance, while Moses Sumney is part of the cast
, bringing additional gravitas. Notable mentions include 
, whose role adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative.
No Stranger to Horror—Technical Execution
Ti West doesn’t hold back with his signature blend of horror and schlock. While visually it mirrors its predecessors, some might find it lacks the originality of Pearl. Yet, it’s packed with frights and thrills that remain true to its slasher roots. The film’s attention to period detail is remarkable, thoroughly immersing viewers in the 1980s Hollywood milieu.
Charting New Territory Yet Feeling Familiar
The plot conveys Maxine’s resilient struggle against systemic power structures—a narrative echoing the pursuit for fame amid adversity. Kevin Bacon’s performance stands out in particular scenes, heightening moments that resonate with fans of 80s horror.
New faces such as 
add freshness to the ensemble, even if their characters sometimes feel underutilized. Sophie Thatcher’s addition was somewhat surprising given her non-mention earlier on, which adds an element of curiosity for attentive audiences.
A Mixed Bag of Retro Horror Fun
MaXXXine, while nostalgically entertaining, doesn’t quite reach the peaks scaled by Pearl. It makes for an enjoyable watch—a testament to West’s craft and Goth’s admirable performance. But its mix of homage and fresh content might leave some longing for more innovation.
Overall, if you’re tuning in for a trip down cinematic memory lane with enough blood-curdling moments to keep you engaged, yet craving some new scare tactics, MaXXXine fits the bill. Let’s hope West continues to evolve this promising franchise.
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