The "X" movie is a 2022 American slasher horror film written, directed, and produced by Ti West. [1, 3] It stars Mia Goth in a dual role as Maxine Minx and Pearl. [1, 6] The film also features an ensemble cast including Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Scott Mescudi. [1, 5] Set in 1979, the story follows a group of aspiring adult filmmakers who rent a guesthouse on an elderly couple's rural Texas property to shoot a pornographic film. [1, 3] Their secretive activities soon attract the dangerous attention of their elderly hosts, leading to a terrifying fight for survival. [1, 3] "X" is the first installment in the X film series, with a prequel titled "Pearl" and a sequel titled "MaXXXine" also released. [2, 4]
Plot Summary
The narrative of "X" unfolds in 1979, beginning with police discovering numerous bodies on a farm in rural Texas. [1, 3] The story then flashes back 24 hours earlier, introducing Maxine, an aspiring adult film star, and her crew: producer Wayne, dancers Bobby-Lynne and Jackson, director RJ, and RJ's girlfriend Lorraine. [1, 3] They arrive at a secluded Texas farm owned by Howard and Pearl, an elderly couple, to shoot their adult film, planning to keep their intentions secret from the owners. [1, 3]
As the crew begins filming, their activities draw the unwanted attention of Pearl, who becomes increasingly envious of Maxine's youth and sexuality. [3, 11, 23] Howard, her husband, is also a World War II veteran with a violent past. [3] Tensions escalate when Pearl, fueled by her own unfulfilled desires and resentment, begins to attack the filmmakers. [3, 11, 23] The situation quickly devolves into a brutal fight for survival as the young crew members are targeted by the murderous elderly couple. [1, 3] The film culminates in a bloody climax, with Maxine fighting to survive the night and escape the farm. [1, 21]
Cast and Characters
The primary cast of "X" includes:
- Mia Goth as Maxine Minx and Pearl [1, 6]
- Jenna Ortega as Lorraine [1, 5]
- Martin Henderson as Wayne [1, 5]
- Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne [1, 5]
- Owen Campbell as RJ [1, 5]
- Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) as Jackson [1, 5]
- Stephen Ure as Howard [1, 5]
Mia Goth's performance in dual roles as both the aspiring actress Maxine and the terrifying elderly killer Pearl was particularly praised by critics. [1, 8, 18]
Themes and Influences
"X" is characterized as a contemporary take on the "psycho-biddy" horror subgenre, exploring themes of aging, youth, beauty, and self-worth. [1, 11] The film draws significant inspiration from 1970s horror, exploitation, and pornographic films, with clear homages to classics like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," "Psycho," and "Easy Rider." [1, 8, 9, 19, 22] Director Ti West aimed to create a film that celebrated the craft of filmmaking, paying tribute to both the horror and adult film genres that flourished outside the traditional Hollywood system. [17] The movie also delves into the clash between older and younger generations, and the societal anxieties surrounding sexuality, repression, and aging. [11, 19, 22]
Critical Reception and Box Office
"X" received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its direction, performances (especially Mia Goth's), and its inventive take on the slasher genre. [1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 13] The film holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [1] Critics noted its blend of gore, dark humor, and suspense, as well as its stylish homage to 70s horror. [8, 12, 13]
Commercially, "X" was a success. The film grossed $15.1 million in the United States and had a worldwide total of $17.4 million against a budget of $12.2 million. [2] Its success paved the way for the prequel "Pearl," which was filmed back-to-back with "X," and the subsequent sequel "MaXXXine." [2, 4, 14]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "X" movie about?
The "X" movie is a 2022 slasher horror film about a group of young adult filmmakers who travel to a rural Texas farm to shoot a pornographic film, only to find themselves targeted by the elderly couple who own the property.
Who directed the "X" movie?
The "X" movie was written and directed by Ti West. [1]
Who stars in the "X" movie?
The "X" movie stars Mia Goth in dual roles, as well as Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Scott Mescudi. [1, 5]
When was the "X" movie released?
"X" premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 13, 2022, and was theatrically released in the United States on March 18, 2022. [1, 4]
Is "X" part of a series?
Yes, "X" is the first film in the X film series. It is followed by the prequel "Pearl" (2022) and the sequel "MaXXXine" (2024). [2]
Conclusion
"X" stands out as a masterful homage to classic slasher cinema, blending gore, suspense, and dark humor with a compelling exploration of themes like aging and ambition. Ti West's assured direction, Mia Goth's tour-de-force dual performance, and its stylistic nods to the 70s have cemented its place as a modern horror favorite and the compelling start to a promising film series.
