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Today on Beyond the Jumpscare, we’re talking about the much-anticipated finale of Ti West’s X trilogy, MaXXXine. While it may not have topped my personal favorite of the series, there’s no denying it's a stylish, atmospheric, and genuinely compelling horror film in its own right.
The Glamour & Grime of 1985 Hollywood
Ti West’s vision for MaXXXine is all about the era. The film plunges us headfirst into 1980s Hollywood, a world dripping with neon, spandex, and big hair. It’s a beautifully crafted homage to the slasher films and paranoid thrillers of the era, from the visual aesthetics to the synth-heavy soundtrack. I loved how West captured the authentic look and feel of that time, making it feel like a long-lost VHS tape. The film’s atmosphere is a character in itself—a city that promises fame and fortune but is, at its core, a corrupt and dangerous place. This contrast between the glamorous facade and the dark underbelly of Hollywood is what drives the film's central tension.
Mia Goth's Evolution into a Scream Queen
Mia Goth's performance as Maxine Minx is, once again, the centerpiece. Watching her journey from the original X to this film, you see a character who is a survivor, hardened by trauma but still desperate to achieve her dreams. Goth embodies Maxine's ambition and resilience with a palpable sense of paranoia that is perfect for the film’s narrative. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with Kevin Bacon delivering a brief but memorable and chilling performance as a powerful figure in Hollywood. His small role is a great example of how a skilled actor can make a huge impact with limited screen time.
Thematic Depth: Fame, Obsession, and Trauma
While MaXXXine works perfectly as a retro slasher, it’s also a smart exploration of its themes. The film examines the dark side of fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. It also delves into the psychological weight of trauma, with Maxine's past from the events of X constantly lurking just beneath the surface. It's a film that asks questions about celebrity culture and the cost of chasing your dreams, all wrapped up in a thrilling, blood-soaked package.
While I found MaXXXine to be a compelling and stylish ride, it didn't quite capture the same raw, character-driven horror as another film in the trilogy. However, it's a very worthy entry and a must-watch for fans of the series and for anyone who loves a great '80s-inspired horror film. It's the kind of movie that makes you want to get into the film-making world yourself!
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