The part with the shotgun sending Pearl flying through the door and the preacher crying, "NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL DIVINE INTERVENTION!" had me rolling on the theater floor. Ti West knows how to balance horror and comedy really well.
that's what I loved about it! It is so hard to put comedy in horror without it coming across as forced or cheesy but all of it was so naturally synchronized.
I really liked the reveal of Maxine’s backstory. As someone who came from a similar rightwing Christian background and had to deal with escaping that too, it made the ending that much more satisfying. The final girl in this movie is a sex-positive rebel who turned her back on religion, and I love that we’ve reached that point in the genre.
I really liked Maxine's backstory too, but for different reasons. I find it is a good thing to add in a film about getting older, that God, and religion become of importance to many of us and that we all come from somewhere. I'm not religious and I have never attended church, but once became friends with some people who were born again Christians. In meeting with them once, their pastor lead them in prayer, and I felt something like a collective will of people with a clear and focused goal. I just find it also a little chilling that this girl portrayed as the sole survivor has a flock praying for her. Maybe there is a suggestion that there is power in prayer or belief. As it is said, God works in mysterious ways.
I thought her final scenes were really interesting, because while we root for her and see her as the protagonist, she's not a hero. She's clearly got a drug problem and she's obsessed with stardom...she's not outraged at Pearl for being a killer, she's outraged because "I'm special and I don't have to take this." I thought that Pearl's last words to her about how it would all be taken from her was absolutely right.
Mia goth is incredible in this film , Jena Ortega is becoming the new scream queen and Brittany snow personally surprised me didn’t expect her to be so good in her role
I can’t be the only one who thought they were teasing us viewers on who the final girl was going to be. I feel like they were throwing the idea of Lorraine being the final girl which was the stereotype for movies of that time period. I’m glad they went with a sexually liberated runaway. It was a breath of fresh air. I loved this movie and predicted this would be the best horror release this year. We’ll see if I still feel the same way by the end of the year.
Bobby Lloyd-Agreed, Maxine being the final girl in the end was definitely a great subversion of the usual "virginal good girl winds up being the only survior" trope that you usually see in slasher movies. Plus Lauraine's death worked so well on an emotional level. She's such a likeable character, that seeing her so terrified, & then die so horribly after coming so close to making it out alive, was heartbreaking to watch.
It might be obvious but I enjoyed the message that the "kids" were supposed to be the depraved ones according to the oldenr generation but in fact the kids were actually the nice ones (especially when Brit Snow's character was going to help Pearl at the docks). That's what I also got from the reveal of the preacher being Max's dad.
This breakdown video is EVERYTHING I needed! So glad you talked about the alligator and how Ti West kept on teasing the audience with the tension. (Between this and Crawl, alligators are getting some love!)
That scene were RJ was saying it was art and then turned around and told Jenna's character "No" to being in the film was hilarious, but then it took a sad/dark tone I felt like. I really felt bad for the guy. Kinda made me think of times I was cheated on and saw it. Brutal. Owen Campbell (RJ) was actually why I wanted to watch the film. He's super underrated indie actor. He gives some amazing performances in Miseducation of Cameron Post, As You Are, Super Dark Times, and My Heart Can't Beat Unless You Tell It Too.
I think I interpreted the preacher’s daughter twist as a corrupted desire for fan matching her father’s corrupted desire for fame. Televangelists have a long history of corruption, and it would make sense if she saw that and then sought fame in the most opposite way possible without realizing that stigma would label her the same way.
The first half of this film (basically everything before Landslide) was so compelling and made me really fall in love with the film. I actually was hoping it'd keep the tone it had and not turn into a slasher, but I think that mostly speaks to the great quality of the writing and the themes presented.
I loved the scene w/ “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (Halloween ‘78 homage) w/ the blood covering the headlights turning them red - beautiful cinematography but also I loved that transition into absolute slasher fest.
And if the action didn't ramp up you'd say it was boring. You knew going in people were going to get killed right? It gave us what we went there to see and the added bonus was all the other layered stuff in the movie.
@@nicksizemore6914 I concur, man. I thought Ti West’s magnum opus was “House of the Devil” (2009), but this overtakes it by a long shot. One of the best original slashers in a long time. The story telling/ drama aspect landed, the comedic elements landed, the ‘70’s nostalgia was on point, disturbing / creep factor hit, the sentimental moments, etc.
It was so good. Everything I hoped for, already bought the tickets to go watch it again next week. I feel like X showed how you can pay homage and reference the OG's such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre while making it your own. Just loved all the meta-ish moments without going too meta. Don't Fear The Reaper plays in the car in Halloween too, don't think it's just a coincidence :P Perfect casting, score, editing, writing!
The scenes around the pond made me feel the most unsettled that I’ve been in a very long time. As a Houston, TX native, it was a very familiar setting. I love alligators, but am deathly afraid at the idea of being in water with them, so the introduction of it was nerve shredding, the suspense was overwhelming, and the payoff was otherworldly horror to me, on top of being the best depiction of the “death roll” I’ve seen in a movie.
So nice that I didn't register Mia Goth in dual role until the credits confirmed it, and she was fantastic as both Maxine and Pearl. The cold dismissal with the alligator attack is probably the best laugh I got from the movie. With the body in the basement and the implication of several similar victims before, I wonder just what the prequel is going to offer visually and tonally. I'm ready for it.
The nudity of Pearl really didn't bother me. I'm a nurse so I see elderly people in the nude fairly often. I was so confused when my friend cringed during this scene. It totally slipped my mind that people aren't used to seeing this stuff. It's pretty mundane at this point, for me. I LOVED this movie. The gore was awesome. I can't wait for Pearl.
I forgot to cringe because I couldn't get over the fact that for people in their mid-70s probably they looked so. .. decrepit and frail. I mean my grandma is 85 and she could knock Pearl out no problem.
Also I have to say RJ’s kill, the first one, was my absolute favorite. It had my mouth agape and the way the blood painted the headlights and lit Pearl in a wash of red lighting was stunning!
That to me was the best kill IMO. Of all shots that felt the most like Suspiria with the blood splattering on the lights, and psychedelic lighting while pearl starts dancing
As for references to Psycho: RJ gets stabbed by an old woman right after his shower scene! The stabbing echoes the iconic Psycho scene very directly. Also interesting to reflect on what "old person" represents in both films.
I finally decided to watch X after owning it for months on Blu-ray. What I loved is the old sex trope in slashers is used as an actual plot point and not just crowd pleasing moment for audience. I see why X has gotten so much love from horror fans. It does so much good, I believe this is how you keep the slasher sub genre alive by not falling back onto those old tropes and cliches. I can't wait to watch Pearl this weekend.
Just saw X and really enjoyed it. When talking about influences I was a little surprised you didn’t mention what I thought was a clear reference to The Shining when she was trying to escape the basement (except in reverse - trying to get out vs in). And for some reason the Pearl trailer post credits seemed to give me the feeling of Wizard of Oz. I think it was the bright cheery colors and Pearl in pigtails on the farm - maybe that was just me.
Just saw this movie tonight and freakin' loved it. Loved the themes dealing with sexual repression, mortality, loss of youth. The kills were gruesome and awesome too. Loved the 70s setting.
Agree 100% about Brittany Snow! She has the "X factor," imo. There's something so captivating about her acting (even in "Pitch Perfect," she was a standout!)
This has to be the most beautiful movie I've ever watched! I love this era of movies we are currently in. One thing I thought before the murder mayhem began was "how are these old people supposed to kill and overpower the young and virile people?" and there you have it - we all underestimate old people or don't even pay attention to them, and that's why they were able to pull it off. I really liked your take on it, and I was so happy to hear another movie will come out!
I REALLY enjoyed this movie. Very retro. I think that the car in the swamp shows that this was not the first set of people that were killed by this couple.
I love how this movie doesn't talk down to sex workers, like both RJ and Lorraine both die as a consequence of them thinking they're better than the people around them
I know I’m too late to the party, but this film just revitalized my obsession and love for horror. This SMUT MASSACRE just scratched an itch that I never knew existed. It’s an amalgamation of all horror aspects and themes that I’ve loved growing up. I’m just ecstatic that a smut horror like this has produced something meaningful and important. That landslide scene, my gosh, it just shattered my heart. This film is perfection, well, at least for me. AWESOME REVIEW, EMMA!
i actually really liked the tie-in/reveal of Maxine being the preacher’s daughter. as someone who grew up in texas in a deeply devote religious family - i understood her trauma and admired her strength in taking complete ownership of her life. I think the whole “i will not settle for a life i do not deserve” mantra is one of those situations where a person sort of “hears” a message from a preaching and it touching them profoundly but in a complete opposite way. my family is one of the founding families for a massive mega-church and my best friend who i watched the movie with grew up a minister’s kid so for us it added a whole other layer of depth to her. we literally discussed just that dynamic for half of our drive home and then again later.
I have seen the film, and intend a second viewing as well. Hopefully with my daughter , who I suspect has not seen it, as is not aware of the films happenings. I absolutely loved it. Perfect cast, great tension and brutal kills! The layers in this film are many, and I truly appreciated the intelligence ! I have commented on a couple of reviews, that it made me a bit sad in the scene where Pearl and her husband reconnect, so to speak. A few rows behind me I heard , let’s face it, younger people laughing. I wish they would realize they will not have what they have now. We age, our bodies fail us. I wish I had learned that when I was in my twenties, even thirties; because that day sneaks up on you when you all of a sudden look in the mirror, and say, ‘When the hell did THAT happen?!?’
I love Chelsea Wolfe’s cover of Oui Oui Marie so much she did a really great job at creating a gothic and haunting 70’s atmosphere that is so different from the original version of the 1918 song.
The prosthetic make-up for this film was waaaaaaay over the top! 😀 Was this couple supposed to be a thousand years old? They looked like zombies,it was very distracting. Nothing about this couple was believable and that's where it all fell flat for me. To be scary there has to be at least some believability. It was a well made film, but it didn't thrill me. ☹️
Thank you. I felt like I'd seen a different movie to everyone else, because there were no characters to either love or hate, it was all just very flat and not scary.
I am torn. On one side, I felt the same way as u. The couple is not convincing enough for me to completely sink into this film. At the same time, I like the themes and other aspects of it.
THANK YOU. Lol. I had an extremely difficult time taking this movie seriously, and I don’t understand all of the hype. There were some good scenes and likeable parts for sure, but the overal plot is so ridiculous and unbelievable. I have a hard time believing a couple of old Bible thumper’s who can barely get around and look like zombies are capable of killing people a bunch of young (and a couple buff) people. Or why she is sex crazed if they’re Bible thumper’s. Lol.
i liked the layer of being the preachers daughter not a big reveal but i liked it bc it may have shown more into what pearl wished she was and how she was more pure (unlike her peers in pearls eyes) as well as her x factor. idk if i made sense articulating it😂
I'll tell you when I figured out Pearl and Maxine where portrayed by the same person. When we were talking on the spookyastronauts discord after I had seen it 😅 Also one of the reasons I think Maxine scrubs her skin so much is because pearl had blood on her and it is all over Maxine at that point.
I see what you mean about RJ not appearing to have an especially positive view of sex workers. However, I still felt pretty bad for him when his gf dropped a bombshell on him by suddenly telling him- out of the blue and in front of EVERYONE- that she wanted to be part of the porno. From the information we were given they seemed to be a monogamous couple so I think he felt really shocked and hurt (and scared) in that moment. He does indirectly insult the other girls when he tells her “you’re not like them… you’re special”, but I felt like what he was really saying in that moment was “please don’t do this to me. I can’t handle watching you f*ck another guy”. That was my take on it, especially as how heartbroken he looks in the shower afterwards. I’d have the same reaction if I’d just had to film my gf having sexytime with another dude.
Oh don’t get me wrong It was a heart breaking scene! Just because he is flawed it doesn’t mean I didn’t feel for him. Nothings black and white we live in grey and his emotions were totally valid and I felt them .
he could have expressed himself better, but what she's telling him is she's gonna fuck a very hung male, and not only does he have to be okay with it, but he's got to film it, direct it, and later edit it. note that i said telling and not asking, because he's just gotta be cool with it and go along with it. how is that kosher, by any means?
I completely missed the post credit sequence were they were alluding to a prequel about pearl set several decades before X but if I see it again I will defiantly try to see if I can catch it.
One of THE BEST scary movies I have EVER seen....the soundtrack, the acting, the characters, the CRINGENESS, the storyline, even the humour...it was just a notch above the rest.
I did not know until you just said it that Mia played Pearl as well...damn. I suspected it was an actor in age makeup, but never recognized her. It makes tons of sense, though. I felt bad for the cameraman having to suddenly deal with his own girlfriend's change of heart, because on the one hand it makes him look like a hypocrite, but the difference is that the two couples involved in the film prior to that are clearly okay with it and regard it as just business, whereas he's obviously heartbroken having to film the person he loves with someone else. Also, I thought Maxine's comment of "disgusting" was more to do with the blood she's having to clean off herself rather than the age of the person who left it there. But yeah, this was a fantastic film with a lot of detail and layers, and some great character writing. In parts it actually reminded me of a film I just shot myself (the film-within-the-film aspect), so I kind of have to love it.
Oh my god I FINALLY saw this awesome movie. Thank you for doing two videos on it - you knocked it out of the park. I loved that the film takes a pause for a full rendition of “Landslide” and does a split screen. Really brilliant. I just rented it from Apple and it didn’t have the post credit scene. Boo! I’m sure I’ll see it soon enough though. K, thanks!
The more time I’ve had to think about this film the more I love and appreciate it. The score was amazing and really helped with the creepy atmosphere. The first half was creepier than I thought it would be with Pearl lurking around staring at Maxine and the suspense in that alligator scene with Mia Goth. Speaking of which I’m so glad that Maxine was the final girl. I wasn’t sure if it’d be her or Lorraine, but I wanted it to be Maxine. I also didn’t expect that I’d feel so much sympathy for Pearl since she’s one of the killers, but so many of her early scenes broke my heart. The theme of aging was really good and hit close to home cuz I have a huge fear of getting older. I’m so excited to see Pearl after watching the trailer. My favorite kill had to be RJ’s. It was so unexpected and the most brutal imo and weirdly enough beautiful when Pearl starts dancing in the bloody headlights. Between X, Suspiria and The Cure For Wellness I love Mia Goth and hope she does more horror films.
Such a great movie. I was surprised it was filmed in New Zealand. They pretty much nailed the whole Texas vibe. The only thing missing was the sweat. We all know any movie that takes places in Texas is going to have gallons of sweat. And thank you for the review!!!
The parallelism between Maxine and Pearl via the theme of aging really reminded me of Black Swan, where Pearl is almost a combination of Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder
saw this with my friend, i wasn’t expecting pearl to actually be evil i felt so bad for her that it caught me off guard when they were actually the threat😂 i was looking too closely
Great movie break down. I really enjoyed this movie. Its a regular non supernatural slasher movie. Knife + stabbing + blood = slasher. My only gripe with it is the slow pace. However thinking on it, it was necessary. The first half you (audience) kind of feel sorry for the elderly lady.They even included a song to make you feel like that's the elderly lady's narrative, at the same time you can somewhat relate to the other characters as you get to know them. So now I understand why the slow pace was needed. Then you get to see her true motive and it's creepy AF lol 😆. It made me feel uncomfortable, not the elderly couple getting it on, I mean go get it grandma! It was her first kill. It seems to me she was climaxing as she was stabbing him. Did any one else see that? I think Pearl has been a sadistic serial killer for years. What other reason would keep someone in the basement for? And im sure she's been feeding the crock too. Im very exited to see were part 2 takes us. 🤗🍒
I live in austin and i went to a showing at a local cinema, that happened thursday night after the premiere at sxsw and we didnt get the stinger! i had to watch online while reading on twitter that many other locations were seeing the stinger after the credits. exciting to know there is a connected movie that shows maybe a similar theme just from pearls perspective? i really want to see what happens after maxine drives off. will we get a film were she finds herself getting what she desires? i honestly thought we were going to get some kind of blood magic and pearl was going to rip off her old age makeup and we see her young again as mia played both characters. also brittany snow nailed the "bless your heart," had my entire theatre in laughs because it was spot on.
I agree with a lot of what you said, however I have to disagree with you about RJ - I don't think there is anything wrong with not wanting your (assumedly monogamous up to this point) partner to have sex with someone else. I don't know that I'd consider that hypocritical, since he has no problem with sex work in general, but he does have a problem with his girlfriend changing the parameters of the relationship without his consent. The idea that "You were okay with sex work, so you should be okay with your gf being in it" doesn't quite make sense to me and almost demonizes sex work in a way; it almost implies that if you were okay with filming porn, you should be okay with your girlfriend cheating on you. A better way to show hypocrisy would have been to make Lorraine his sister, in my opinion. I think that would have been a nice criticism of men who treat women's sexuality as a personal affront. I feel like the film was definitely about sexual liberation, but I felt the theme was ultimately sort of bleak - Pearl used to be like Maxine, until she got old, and no longer was considered attractive. I took the parallels between them as an implication that despite Maxine's lofty dreams of stardom she will eventually age out of that elusive "X" factor. I also think the reveal that she is the preacher's daughter sort of implied that her motivation is an overcorrection of sorts - she quotes her father even as she defies his expectations. Otherwise though, great review! I really appreciate the detail you went into the film - I've been dying to hear what other people have to say about the film, but majority of people I've spoken to haven't seen it, or didn't like it.
Hey, Just to be clear, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with RJ or his feelings that’s not what I’m saying. The film is meant to bring up points and conversations, and this was just a device for that. I thought RJ crying in the shower was the most touching and realistic scene in the movie. I loved that they included that situation and I believe they did so for a reason. It’s not me attacking his character at all. I think his pain is valid, it’s just one of those situations that are brought up in films so the audience can discuss what it truely means.
@@spookyastronauts you can see even while he's shooting it, he's losing his mind. wayne's gotta hand him the camera and that other doo hickey, cuz he's not all there. nice touch too, seeing the scene in the camera eye and just hearing certain noises.
I liked that Maxine was the preacher’s daughter because I think her repeating that she’s going to get the life she deserves and her saying it at the same time when her dad said it on tv is what helped connect the idea of sex and porn to the religious aspect for me. Also… I laughed out loud when Lorraine got blasted when she ran out the door. No one else in the theatre laughed and it made me feel crazy 😭
Your comment of “Ti West has a different look in each of his movie appears correct” I saw the pearl trailer and cinematography looked crisp and clear with color highlights. As he made this “X” looked like it was in the 70s on film rather than digital.
Are we just going to ignore the fact one scene Pearl is so weak she is struggling to brush her hair, then the next scene she's murdering with her own brute force... Or her husband can't have sex bc of his heart, has no problem shooting a gun or carrying dead bodies... I can suspend belief for a good plot but no sir this was not a good plot. Phenomenal cast, great characters, cinematography, setting but the actual villains and plot absolutely not. If he was going to make them supernaturally strong he should have at least made them witches. Make it make sense.
It definitely felt like a horror film made by a person who loves horror- the references to TCM and Psycho; the very meta, self-aware moments; the paralleling of the porn industry and the horror industry. I also liked how it would lead us to expect one thing and then give us another- like the alligator death, or who the final girl would be. I really enjoy how Ti West’s films nod towards his overall love of the genre.
Yeah, I was expecting a Haute Tension ending. Kind of like a cross between that and Fight Club. So I tricked myself. The eyes gave it away. That first kill was beyond sinister. Just how it was framed.
Your video just elevated X, so much more to me. I love this film so much, I watched it yesterday and I'm still thinking about it and will probably be for days.
The second time I saw X I definitely caught so many little details that I missed the first time. I love anything Mia Goth (and Ti West for that matter) does and I’m 200% here for more X/Pearl-related cosplay.
In the shower scene with RJ i was convinced that he was going to be murdered Psycho styles. I don't know if that was done intentionally but I love that kind of misdirection
Great video! I thought one of the themes was desire and what we are "owed" when we have a desire. Obvious with Pearl and Maxine, but it's brought into sharp relief with Lorraine and RJ. AJ desires a sexually exclusive relationship with Lorraine, and she desires something (not clear exactly if it's sex alone) different. AJ's shower scene shows that he, like Pearl, feels genuine hurt that he can't have what he wants. His reaction is to abandon the group and leave them stranded, which, even without the looming danger, is a brutal thing to do. He's not murdering anyone, but his grief and rage at not getting what he desires leads to harsh retaliation of a kind to Pearl's, IMO.
And much like Maxine being influenced by some adult film creating ppl, whom a group of very similar people also influenced Pearl back in the day. So when Pearl says Maxines gonna end up just like her, and swept away with the desire to be a star and to live a life she deserves, while taken/swept away from her religious farm an families ways. Soooo is Pearl pretty much the ghost of Maxine’s future, much like Scrooge had in A Christmas Carol??
The moment I realized Mia Goth played both Maxine and Pearl was during the sex scene in the barn. There's a quick edit that frames both of their faces in a way that made me go, "omg she's playing both of them!" Thanks for pointing out the mural with the alligator at the beginning. They hold onto that shot for so long that it's so obvious, yet it blends into the background so well that I didn't think to hold onto that imagery as foreshadowing. My personal favorite kill was RJ's outside of the van. It was so brutal but as it kept happening I found it to become artistic as Pearl begins dancing over his corpse. I feel like you could look at that five minutes or so as a distillation of everything this movie is about.
I definitely knew pretty soon both parts were played by Mia,but I was like you I thought it was time travel too,seeing herself in the future...untill the end haha.
EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! In fact, this video made me realize I need to subscribe to your channel! Thank you so much for your insight and thoughts about X. Such a great horror movie.
Once you start to learn about plant biogeography & geology you sometimes can't help but see anachronisms in terms of settings vs filming location. I didn't have a problem with disbelief and I didn't notice it specifically, but my brain did.
I don’t get what was so great about this movie. It’s been done a thousand times before. I genuinely would love to know what makes it great from someone else’s perspective
Loved this film! Any thoughts on if they will make a sequel? Obviously I’m very excited for the prequel but can’t help thinking about what Maxine Minx is going to get up to next!
I totally agree that Brittany Snow was the standout character. I know Maxine had to survive because the third sequel which will be a proper follow-up to X will definitely follow the aftermath of her actions in X, I still couldn't help but feel Bobby-Lynne should have been the final survivor.
The splicing transitions was such a refreshing thing to see. I lit up everytime I saw it, I don’t know if it’s been done before but I really loved it. The first and second half of the movie feel a little disjointed from each other, which is probably intentional, but it just made it jarring for me once it started unraveling into more of a slasher. Also, Lorraine’s ‘I hate you all’ transition felt like a twisted version of post nut clarity 😂 just me on that one? Anyways, I need to see it again! Probably not in the theater, but to have that gorgeous Blu ray cover on my shelf
Ok, just starting the video but let me tell you, I had to no idea Pearl was played by Mia Goth lol I knew it wasn't an old actress because it did look like make up, but no clue whatsoever! Definitely will have to watch it a secong time.
This film really took me by surprise. Slasher films have always bored me but Ti West hit it out of the park and really made me looking forward to the prequel called PEARL.
Loved this movie. Growing up in this time, makes the movie all the more satisfying. Everyone in the movie are perfect in their roles. Going to see it again next week.
I loved X! I was so impressed with the entire cast of this movie but Mia Goth in particular really impressed me, especially considering her dual role! Then again she’s always great like you said. I feel like I need to see this again to really appreciate it, there was so much to this movie I don’t think you can take it all in with one watch lol
This movie was so fun. I loved it. Seeing it in theatre was such a great time. The crowd was so involved with the story. The cast was phenomenal. Mia Goth was fantastic. Jenna Ortega is definitely a rising star. She is the IT Girl of current Horror. Definitely the current Scream Queen. Brittany Snow is always on her game. Top Notch. Her singing Landslide gave me goosebumps. Favorite scene was definitely the gator stalking scene. That overhead shot with the gator swimming faster towards Maxine. Fantastic.
In answer to your question Emma- I knew immediately that Pearl was being played by a young actress. It was when the were at the table drinking lemonade that I knew it was Mia Goth playing both Maxine and Pearl. As the characters are walking to the front door shortly after this scene they stop to look at photographs of Pearl hung in the hallway. A photo of Pearl in her ballerina days is clearly shown and it is Mia pictured.
I feel it would’ve made more sense to have the preacher as Jenna Ortegas father bc everything hits the fan after she finishes her p**n scene . And the removing of the cross from her neck close up shot shows that now evil is near because that’s when Pearl wakes up . Like Pearl felt the protective veil get lifted or something.
Idk if you’ve seen the promo videos for the film, but Lorraines character was intentionally meant to throw the audience off in that way. That’s why she’s referred to as the church mouse at the beginning and someone you may expect to come out on top. But in the end she annoyingly places the blame elsewhere and then gets offed in the end
Thanks for this video! About the old people sex scene-I think Ti West wanted to frame this act with dual reactions. I actually find the moment when the old couple was sitting on the bed before sex was actually sweet. It’s like we are in their world. But when the camera lowers to reveal Maxine under the bed, the viewer is starting to see this act from the emotional Maxine’s POV. The music began to twist, and that birds eye shot made it look vulgar. Perhaps I read too much into it, but I think that’s cool.
Brilliant film! Loved every moment, every frame! Instant physical purchase after renting! Will be watching again soon and multiply times over the years I'm sure. Everyone connected with the film did an outstanding & amazing job imo
I live in New Zealand and had no idea this was shot here! after the second watch: I can tell they purposefully tried not to show too much landscape, you're not gonna find those wast Texas fields horizon shots there. Also the way the farm is framed by tall trees, kinda hiding from the rest of the country.
Great video; great movie. There were some shots of her in a headscarf where I thought Mia Goth looked like the painting Girl With The Pearl Earring. Ah, Pearl..!
The part with the shotgun sending Pearl flying through the door and the preacher crying, "NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL DIVINE INTERVENTION!" had me rolling on the theater floor. Ti West knows how to balance horror and comedy really well.
Right! Easily one of my most favorite parts of the movie. This whole experience was a breathe of both fresh and old air in all the best of ways.
that's what I loved about it! It is so hard to put comedy in horror without it coming across as forced or cheesy but all of it was so naturally synchronized.
I really liked the reveal of Maxine’s backstory. As someone who came from a similar rightwing Christian background and had to deal with escaping that too, it made the ending that much more satisfying. The final girl in this movie is a sex-positive rebel who turned her back on religion, and I love that we’ve reached that point in the genre.
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
I really liked Maxine's backstory too, but for different reasons. I find it is a good thing to add in a film about getting older, that God, and religion become of importance to many of us and that we all come from somewhere. I'm not religious and I have never attended church, but once became friends with some people who were born again Christians. In meeting with them once, their pastor lead them in prayer, and I felt something like a collective will of people with a clear and focused goal. I just find it also a little chilling that this girl portrayed as the sole survivor has a flock praying for her. Maybe there is a suggestion that there is power in prayer or belief. As it is said, God works in mysterious ways.
i knew that lorraine being initially presented as a final girl was a red herring
Me too! I’m so sick and tired of the final girl always being a perfect smarty pants
I thought her final scenes were really interesting, because while we root for her and see her as the protagonist, she's not a hero. She's clearly got a drug problem and she's obsessed with stardom...she's not outraged at Pearl for being a killer, she's outraged because "I'm special and I don't have to take this." I thought that Pearl's last words to her about how it would all be taken from her was absolutely right.
Mia goth is incredible in this film , Jena Ortega is becoming the new scream queen and Brittany snow personally surprised me didn’t expect her to be so good in her role
Maxines dad preaching to her what shes always heard
Still in shock that Mia Goth also played the old woman
I can’t be the only one who thought they were teasing us viewers on who the final girl was going to be. I feel like they were throwing the idea of Lorraine being the final girl which was the stereotype for movies of that time period. I’m glad they went with a sexually liberated runaway. It was a breath of fresh air. I loved this movie and predicted this would be the best horror release this year. We’ll see if I still feel the same way by the end of the year.
Bobby Lloyd-Agreed, Maxine being the final girl in the end was definitely a great subversion of the usual "virginal good girl winds up being the only survior" trope that you usually see in slasher movies. Plus Lauraine's death worked so well on an emotional level. She's such a likeable character, that seeing her so terrified, & then die so horribly after coming so close to making it out alive, was heartbreaking to watch.
It might be obvious but I enjoyed the message that the "kids" were supposed to be the depraved ones according to the oldenr generation but in fact the kids were actually the nice ones (especially when Brit Snow's character was going to help Pearl at the docks).
That's what I also got from the reveal of the preacher being Max's dad.
You could argue the styling of Brittany Snow's character may be paying homage to Janet Leigh in Psycho also, with the Hitchcock blonde iconography!
Right? I also saw a lot of Marilyn Monroe in her style and behavior.
They also referenced Hitchcock earlier in the film. That's a great observation!
She styled her performance after Dolly Parton.
@@arlem525 I can definitely see that too!
@@apizzathatgiantforthesimpl5191 that's what Britanny said in an interview.
Wayne’s death was foreshadowed when he said “those eyes are gonna pop out of their damn skulls”
bobbie lynne's death is when she walks out of the door with the mural with the gator, tuggin at the blonde's bikini.
This breakdown video is EVERYTHING I needed! So glad you talked about the alligator and how Ti West kept on teasing the audience with the tension. (Between this and Crawl, alligators are getting some love!)
That scene were RJ was saying it was art and then turned around and told Jenna's character "No" to being in the film was hilarious, but then it took a sad/dark tone I felt like. I really felt bad for the guy. Kinda made me think of times I was cheated on and saw it. Brutal. Owen Campbell (RJ) was actually why I wanted to watch the film. He's super underrated indie actor. He gives some amazing performances in Miseducation of Cameron Post, As You Are, Super Dark Times, and My Heart Can't Beat Unless You Tell It Too.
I think I interpreted the preacher’s daughter twist as a corrupted desire for fan matching her father’s corrupted desire for fame. Televangelists have a long history of corruption, and it would make sense if she saw that and then sought fame in the most opposite way possible without realizing that stigma would label her the same way.
That could be true, because there were a few times that she would quote him word for word with opposite meaning.
Many of them are JUST as disgusting and sleazy as the people they criticize cough Jimmy Swaggart cough
@@brucedeshetler2252 the way I see it she took that motivation and channeled as her will to survive and make it out in the end
The first half of this film (basically everything before Landslide) was so compelling and made me really fall in love with the film. I actually was hoping it'd keep the tone it had and not turn into a slasher, but I think that mostly speaks to the great quality of the writing and the themes presented.
I loved the scene w/ “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (Halloween ‘78 homage) w/ the blood covering the headlights turning them red - beautiful cinematography but also I loved that transition into absolute slasher fest.
And if the action didn't ramp up you'd say it was boring. You knew going in people were going to get killed right? It gave us what we went there to see and the added bonus was all the other layered stuff in the movie.
I liked the fact that this movie was able to be a lot of different things in its runtime
@@nicksizemore6914 I concur, man. I thought Ti West’s magnum opus was “House of the Devil” (2009), but this overtakes it by a long shot. One of the best original slashers in a long time. The story telling/ drama aspect landed, the comedic elements landed, the ‘70’s nostalgia was on point, disturbing / creep factor hit, the sentimental moments, etc.
@@paulrevere1479 I love boring films. Also what I said wasn't an insult? This was easily a 9/10
It was so good. Everything I hoped for, already bought the tickets to go watch it again next week. I feel like X showed how you can pay homage and reference the OG's such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre while making it your own. Just loved all the meta-ish moments without going too meta. Don't Fear The Reaper plays in the car in Halloween too, don't think it's just a coincidence :P
Perfect casting, score, editing, writing!
The scenes around the pond made me feel the most unsettled that I’ve been in a very long time. As a Houston, TX native, it was a very familiar setting. I love alligators, but am deathly afraid at the idea of being in water with them, so the introduction of it was nerve shredding, the suspense was overwhelming, and the payoff was otherworldly horror to me, on top of being the best depiction of the “death roll” I’ve seen in a movie.
So nice that I didn't register Mia Goth in dual role until the credits confirmed it, and she was fantastic as both Maxine and Pearl. The cold dismissal with the alligator attack is probably the best laugh I got from the movie.
With the body in the basement and the implication of several similar victims before, I wonder just what the prequel is going to offer visually and tonally. I'm ready for it.
The nudity of Pearl really didn't bother me. I'm a nurse so I see elderly people in the nude fairly often. I was so confused when my friend cringed during this scene. It totally slipped my mind that people aren't used to seeing this stuff. It's pretty mundane at this point, for me. I LOVED this movie. The gore was awesome. I can't wait for Pearl.
Well it was Mia so it wasn't really an old woman....people need to relax 😁
It’s not really about her being naked that’s disturbing ,I would say, it’s about the fact that she’s a sexual pervert and a murderer
@@lancewagner2480 Ok jackass let's start a Playboy magazine with nothing but elderly women and see if YOU wnat to buy it
I forgot to cringe because I couldn't get over the fact that for people in their mid-70s probably they looked so. .. decrepit and frail. I mean my grandma is 85 and she could knock Pearl out no problem.
I have also seen the same, but i think the lighting made it more unsightly.
Also I have to say RJ’s kill, the first one, was my absolute favorite. It had my mouth agape and the way the blood painted the headlights and lit Pearl in a wash of red lighting was stunning!
That to me was the best kill IMO. Of all shots that felt the most like Suspiria with the blood splattering on the lights, and psychedelic lighting while pearl starts dancing
As for references to Psycho: RJ gets stabbed by an old woman right after his shower scene! The stabbing echoes the iconic Psycho scene very directly. Also interesting to reflect on what "old person" represents in both films.
I finally decided to watch X after owning it for months on Blu-ray. What I loved is the old sex trope in slashers is used as an actual plot point and not just crowd pleasing moment for audience. I see why X has gotten so much love from horror fans. It does so much good, I believe this is how you keep the slasher sub genre alive by not falling back onto those old tropes and cliches. I can't wait to watch Pearl this weekend.
Just saw X and really enjoyed it. When talking about influences I was a little surprised you didn’t mention what I thought was a clear reference to The Shining when she was trying to escape the basement (except in reverse - trying to get out vs in). And for some reason the Pearl trailer post credits seemed to give me the feeling of Wizard of Oz. I think it was the bright cheery colors and Pearl in pigtails on the farm - maybe that was just me.
Just saw this movie tonight and freakin' loved it. Loved the themes dealing with sexual repression, mortality, loss of youth. The kills were gruesome and awesome too. Loved the 70s setting.
Agree 100% about Brittany Snow! She has the "X factor," imo. There's something so captivating about her acting (even in "Pitch Perfect," she was a standout!)
This has to be the most beautiful movie I've ever watched! I love this era of movies we are currently in. One thing I thought before the murder mayhem began was "how are these old people supposed to kill and overpower the young and virile people?" and there you have it - we all underestimate old people or don't even pay attention to them, and that's why they were able to pull it off. I really liked your take on it, and I was so happy to hear another movie will come out!
I REALLY enjoyed this movie. Very retro.
I think that the car in the swamp shows that this was not the first set of people that were killed by this couple.
Well, that and the body in the basement...
@@teemick7594 I think that the body in the basement was one of the group members.
@@rfrancoi No, all the group members' dead bodies are outside. The one in the basement is definitely previous victim.
I genuinely had no clue that Mia Goth played both Maxine and Pearl until like an hour after watching the film she is such an amazing actress
I absolutely loved this when I saw it, but it’s been growing on me very since and is becoming a real favorite of mine
I truly believe it might be the best slasher in over a decade. It’s so unique & so pretty to look at.
@@balladofthebroken7569 💯
I love how this movie doesn't talk down to sex workers, like both RJ and Lorraine both die as a consequence of them thinking they're better than the people around them
I know I’m too late to the party, but this film just revitalized my obsession and love for horror. This SMUT MASSACRE just scratched an itch that I never knew existed. It’s an amalgamation of all horror aspects and themes that I’ve loved growing up. I’m just ecstatic that a smut horror like this has produced something meaningful and important. That landslide scene, my gosh, it just shattered my heart. This film is perfection, well, at least for me. AWESOME REVIEW, EMMA!
I didn’t realize Mia Goth was Pearl till the post credit trailer
i actually really liked the tie-in/reveal of Maxine being the preacher’s daughter. as someone who grew up in texas in a deeply devote religious family - i understood her trauma and admired her strength in taking complete ownership of her life. I think the whole “i will not settle for a life i do not deserve” mantra is one of those situations where a person sort of “hears” a message from a preaching and it touching them profoundly but in a complete opposite way. my family is one of the founding families for a massive mega-church and my best friend who i watched the movie with grew up a minister’s kid so for us it added a whole other layer of depth to her. we literally discussed just that dynamic for half of our drive home and then again later.
Emma looking out for me by releasing this right before my drive home from work. Appreciate you and your fantastic insight!
I have seen the film, and intend a second viewing as well. Hopefully with my daughter , who I suspect has not seen it, as is not aware of the films happenings.
I absolutely loved it. Perfect cast, great tension and brutal kills! The layers in this film are many, and I truly appreciated the intelligence ! I have commented on a couple of reviews, that it made me a bit sad in the scene where Pearl and her husband reconnect, so to speak. A few rows behind me I heard , let’s face it, younger people laughing. I wish they would realize they will not have what they have now. We age, our bodies fail us. I wish I had learned that when I was in my twenties, even thirties; because that day sneaks up on you when you all of a sudden look in the mirror, and say, ‘When the hell did THAT happen?!?’
I love Chelsea Wolfe’s cover of Oui Oui Marie so much she did a really great job at creating a gothic and haunting 70’s atmosphere that is so different from the original version of the 1918 song.
I'm curious if they'll play the 1918 version then of it then in Pearl because if I remember right it takes place some time during then!
The prosthetic make-up for this film was waaaaaaay over the top! 😀 Was this couple supposed to be a thousand years old? They looked like zombies,it was very distracting. Nothing about this couple was believable and that's where it all fell flat for me.
To be scary there has to be at least some believability.
It was a well made film, but it didn't thrill me. ☹️
Same here. The hype was too high, and the movie did not deserve it.
Thank you. I felt like I'd seen a different movie to everyone else, because there were no characters to either love or hate, it was all just very flat and not scary.
I am torn. On one side, I felt the same way as u. The couple is not convincing enough for me to completely sink into this film. At the same time, I like the themes and other aspects of it.
THANK YOU. Lol. I had an extremely difficult time taking this movie seriously, and I don’t understand all of the hype. There were some good scenes and likeable parts for sure, but the overal plot is so ridiculous and unbelievable. I have a hard time believing a couple of old Bible thumper’s who can barely get around and look like zombies are capable of killing people a bunch of young (and a couple buff) people. Or why she is sex crazed if they’re Bible thumper’s. Lol.
The entire cast of this film, with the exception of Howard’s ass, was FANTASTIC!
i liked the layer of being the preachers daughter not a big reveal but i liked it bc it may have shown more into what pearl wished she was and how she was more pure (unlike her peers in pearls eyes) as well as her x factor. idk if i made sense articulating it😂
I'll tell you when I figured out Pearl and Maxine where portrayed by the same person. When we were talking on the spookyastronauts discord after I had seen it 😅
Also one of the reasons I think Maxine scrubs her skin so much is because pearl had blood on her and it is all over Maxine at that point.
also... cooties
Or maybe having a CREEPY old lady doing foreplay on you really gives you the Willies
I see what you mean about RJ not appearing to have an especially positive view of sex workers. However, I still felt pretty bad for him when his gf dropped a bombshell on him by suddenly telling him- out of the blue and in front of EVERYONE- that she wanted to be part of the porno.
From the information we were given they seemed to be a monogamous couple so I think he felt really shocked and hurt (and scared) in that moment.
He does indirectly insult the other girls when he tells her “you’re not like them… you’re special”, but I felt like what he was really saying in that moment was “please don’t do this to me. I can’t handle watching you f*ck another guy”.
That was my take on it, especially as how heartbroken he looks in the shower afterwards. I’d have the same reaction if I’d just had to film my gf having sexytime with another dude.
Oh don’t get me wrong It was a heart breaking scene! Just because he is flawed it doesn’t mean I didn’t feel for him. Nothings black and white we live in grey and his emotions were totally valid and I felt them .
he could have expressed himself better, but what she's telling him is she's gonna fuck a very hung male, and not only does he have to be okay with it, but he's got to film it, direct it, and later edit it.
note that i said telling and not asking, because he's just gotta be cool with it and go along with it.
how is that kosher, by any means?
When did you get to 100K subscribers? I blinked and it happened. Congratulations Emma🥳 Your hard work paid off!
Late to the party seeing your reaction but I loved it and love it more as I re-watch!! Also, your hair is so pretty!!
I completely agree with you, Brittany Snow was the high light of the movie for me. She was great !
I completely missed the post credit sequence were they were alluding to a prequel about pearl set several decades before X but if I see it again I will defiantly try to see if I can catch it.
One of THE BEST scary movies I have EVER seen....the soundtrack, the acting, the characters, the CRINGENESS, the storyline, even the humour...it was just a notch above the rest.
I did not know until you just said it that Mia played Pearl as well...damn. I suspected it was an actor in age makeup, but never recognized her. It makes tons of sense, though.
I felt bad for the cameraman having to suddenly deal with his own girlfriend's change of heart, because on the one hand it makes him look like a hypocrite, but the difference is that the two couples involved in the film prior to that are clearly okay with it and regard it as just business, whereas he's obviously heartbroken having to film the person he loves with someone else. Also, I thought Maxine's comment of "disgusting" was more to do with the blood she's having to clean off herself rather than the age of the person who left it there. But yeah, this was a fantastic film with a lot of detail and layers, and some great character writing. In parts it actually reminded me of a film I just shot myself (the film-within-the-film aspect), so I kind of have to love it.
Oh my god I FINALLY saw this awesome movie. Thank you for doing two videos on it - you knocked it out of the park.
I loved that the film takes a pause for a full rendition of “Landslide” and does a split screen. Really brilliant.
I just rented it from Apple and it didn’t have the post credit scene. Boo! I’m sure I’ll see it soon enough though. K, thanks!
Absolutely - Brittany Snow was incredible and I think we were all shocked.
The more time I’ve had to think about this film the more I love and appreciate it. The score was amazing and really helped with the creepy atmosphere. The first half was creepier than I thought it would be with Pearl lurking around staring at Maxine and the suspense in that alligator scene with Mia Goth. Speaking of which I’m so glad that Maxine was the final girl. I wasn’t sure if it’d be her or Lorraine, but I wanted it to be Maxine. I also didn’t expect that I’d feel so much sympathy for Pearl since she’s one of the killers, but so many of her early scenes broke my heart. The theme of aging was really good and hit close to home cuz I have a huge fear of getting older. I’m so excited to see Pearl after watching the trailer. My favorite kill had to be RJ’s. It was so unexpected and the most brutal imo and weirdly enough beautiful when Pearl starts dancing in the bloody headlights. Between X, Suspiria and The Cure For Wellness I love Mia Goth and hope she does more horror films.
Her walking on the edge of the well in The Cure for Wellness
I think it was soo good even better than the original Texas chainsaw massacre
Such a great movie. I was surprised it was filmed in New Zealand. They pretty much nailed the whole Texas vibe. The only thing missing was the sweat. We all know any movie that takes places in Texas is going to have gallons of sweat. And thank you for the review!!!
The parallelism between Maxine and Pearl via the theme of aging really reminded me of Black Swan, where Pearl is almost a combination of Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder
saw this with my friend, i wasn’t expecting pearl to actually be evil i felt so bad for her that it caught me off guard when they were actually the threat😂 i was looking too closely
Am I the only one who teared up when Landslide started to play and the showed that sort of montage?
Great movie break down. I really enjoyed this movie. Its a regular non supernatural slasher movie. Knife + stabbing + blood = slasher. My only gripe with it is the slow pace. However thinking on it, it was necessary. The first half you (audience) kind of feel sorry for the elderly lady.They even included a song to make you feel like that's the elderly lady's narrative, at the same time you can somewhat relate to the other characters as you get to know them. So now I understand why the slow pace was needed.
Then you get to see her true motive and it's creepy AF lol 😆. It made me feel uncomfortable, not the elderly couple getting it on, I mean go get it grandma! It was her first kill. It seems to me she was climaxing as she was stabbing him. Did any one else see that? I think Pearl has been a sadistic serial killer for years. What other reason would keep someone in the basement for? And im sure she's been feeding the crock too. Im very exited to see were part 2 takes us. 🤗🍒
I actually thought there was going to be a Psycho reference when RJ was taking a shower. And yeah there were many Psycho vibes
I live in austin and i went to a showing at a local cinema, that happened thursday night after the premiere at sxsw and we didnt get the stinger! i had to watch online while reading on twitter that many other locations were seeing the stinger after the credits. exciting to know there is a connected movie that shows maybe a similar theme just from pearls perspective? i really want to see what happens after maxine drives off. will we get a film were she finds herself getting what she desires? i honestly thought we were going to get some kind of blood magic and pearl was going to rip off her old age makeup and we see her young again as mia played both characters. also brittany snow nailed the "bless your heart," had my entire theatre in laughs because it was spot on.
I agree with a lot of what you said, however I have to disagree with you about RJ - I don't think there is anything wrong with not wanting your (assumedly monogamous up to this point) partner to have sex with someone else. I don't know that I'd consider that hypocritical, since he has no problem with sex work in general, but he does have a problem with his girlfriend changing the parameters of the relationship without his consent. The idea that "You were okay with sex work, so you should be okay with your gf being in it" doesn't quite make sense to me and almost demonizes sex work in a way; it almost implies that if you were okay with filming porn, you should be okay with your girlfriend cheating on you. A better way to show hypocrisy would have been to make Lorraine his sister, in my opinion. I think that would have been a nice criticism of men who treat women's sexuality as a personal affront.
I feel like the film was definitely about sexual liberation, but I felt the theme was ultimately sort of bleak - Pearl used to be like Maxine, until she got old, and no longer was considered attractive. I took the parallels between them as an implication that despite Maxine's lofty dreams of stardom she will eventually age out of that elusive "X" factor. I also think the reveal that she is the preacher's daughter sort of implied that her motivation is an overcorrection of sorts - she quotes her father even as she defies his expectations.
Otherwise though, great review! I really appreciate the detail you went into the film - I've been dying to hear what other people have to say about the film, but majority of people I've spoken to haven't seen it, or didn't like it.
Hey, Just to be clear, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with RJ or his feelings that’s not what I’m saying. The film is meant to bring up points and conversations, and this was just a device for that. I thought RJ crying in the shower was the most touching and realistic scene in the movie. I loved that they included that situation and I believe they did so for a reason. It’s not me attacking his character at all. I think his pain is valid, it’s just one of those situations that are brought up in films so the audience can discuss what it truely means.
@@spookyastronauts you can see even while he's shooting it, he's losing his mind.
wayne's gotta hand him the camera and that other doo hickey, cuz he's not all there.
nice touch too, seeing the scene in the camera eye and just hearing certain noises.
The prequel is my fav ❤️ I love X, but I first watched Pearl. And Pearl has my heart
I liked that Maxine was the preacher’s daughter because I think her repeating that she’s going to get the life she deserves and her saying it at the same time when her dad said it on tv is what helped connect the idea of sex and porn to the religious aspect for me.
Also… I laughed out loud when Lorraine got blasted when she ran out the door. No one else in the theatre laughed and it made me feel crazy 😭
Hello emma! Just wanted to say these videos are so fun🔥💯
Your comment of “Ti West has a different look in each of his movie appears correct” I saw the pearl trailer and cinematography looked crisp and clear with color highlights. As he made this “X” looked like it was in the 70s on film rather than digital.
Are we just going to ignore the fact one scene Pearl is so weak she is struggling to brush her hair, then the next scene she's murdering with her own brute force... Or her husband can't have sex bc of his heart, has no problem shooting a gun or carrying dead bodies... I can suspend belief for a good plot but no sir this was not a good plot. Phenomenal cast, great characters, cinematography, setting but the actual villains and plot absolutely not. If he was going to make them supernaturally strong he should have at least made them witches. Make it make sense.
That’s why I thought she was gaining their youth 😂. Honestly for me the strength isn’t the most unbelievable bit, that’s horror though 🤷🏻♀️
@@spookyastronauts this would have been so much better if it was about the crocodile. Those scenes were the best.
It definitely felt like a horror film made by a person who loves horror- the references to TCM and Psycho; the very meta, self-aware moments; the paralleling of the porn industry and the horror industry. I also liked how it would lead us to expect one thing and then give us another- like the alligator death, or who the final girl would be. I really enjoy how Ti West’s films nod towards his overall love of the genre.
Yeah, I was expecting a Haute Tension ending. Kind of like a cross between that and Fight Club. So I tricked myself. The eyes gave it away.
That first kill was beyond sinister. Just how it was framed.
I realized there are two Mia Goths when the pictures in the old couple's house showed a young Pearl that's Mia Goth
Your video just elevated X, so much more to me. I love this film so much, I watched it yesterday and I'm still thinking about it and will probably be for days.
The second time I saw X I definitely caught so many little details that I missed the first time. I love anything Mia Goth (and Ti West for that matter) does and I’m 200% here for more X/Pearl-related cosplay.
The only thing I didnt understand
If Max had a phobia of blood, why she didnt seemed that disgusted by the end? Walking over the bodies and stuff?
In the shower scene with RJ i was convinced that he was going to be murdered Psycho styles. I don't know if that was done intentionally but I love that kind of misdirection
Great video! I thought one of the themes was desire and what we are "owed" when we have a desire. Obvious with Pearl and Maxine, but it's brought into sharp relief with Lorraine and RJ. AJ desires a sexually exclusive relationship with Lorraine, and she desires something (not clear exactly if it's sex alone) different. AJ's shower scene shows that he, like Pearl, feels genuine hurt that he can't have what he wants. His reaction is to abandon the group and leave them stranded, which, even without the looming danger, is a brutal thing to do. He's not murdering anyone, but his grief and rage at not getting what he desires leads to harsh retaliation of a kind to Pearl's, IMO.
I just watch X and love it one of the best horror movies I have seen in along time.
X is a movie that is fine. It's not bad, it's not good. 5 out of 10
Love this movie! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it! Amazing video Emma!
And much like Maxine being influenced by some adult film creating ppl, whom a group of very similar people also influenced Pearl back in the day. So when Pearl says Maxines gonna end up just like her, and swept away with the desire to be a star and to live a life she deserves, while taken/swept away from her religious farm an families ways.
Soooo is Pearl pretty much the ghost of Maxine’s future, much like Scrooge had in A Christmas Carol??
The moment I realized Mia Goth played both Maxine and Pearl was during the sex scene in the barn. There's a quick edit that frames both of their faces in a way that made me go, "omg she's playing both of them!"
Thanks for pointing out the mural with the alligator at the beginning. They hold onto that shot for so long that it's so obvious, yet it blends into the background so well that I didn't think to hold onto that imagery as foreshadowing.
My personal favorite kill was RJ's outside of the van. It was so brutal but as it kept happening I found it to become artistic as Pearl begins dancing over his corpse. I feel like you could look at that five minutes or so as a distillation of everything this movie is about.
I definitely knew pretty soon both parts were played by Mia,but I was like you I thought it was time travel too,seeing herself in the future...untill the end haha.
We need a cosplay for every A24 movie lol. I also think your commentary about the way RJ views sex workers is spot on.
Thanks Ash!
They didn’t have the end credit scene either. I’m in Austin Texas at Alamo drafthouse
EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! In fact, this video made me realize I need to subscribe to your channel! Thank you so much for your insight and thoughts about X. Such a great horror movie.
Thanks Bonnie! And welcome
Once you start to learn about plant biogeography & geology you sometimes can't help but see anachronisms in terms of settings vs filming location. I didn't have a problem with disbelief and I didn't notice it specifically, but my brain did.
I don’t get what was so great about this movie. It’s been done a thousand times before. I genuinely would love to know what makes it great from someone else’s perspective
Loved this film! Any thoughts on if they will make a sequel? Obviously I’m very excited for the prequel but can’t help thinking about what Maxine Minx is going to get up to next!
I so wanted to love this movie. It just didn’t wow me like I had hoped. Possibly overhyped. :(
I totally agree that Brittany Snow was the standout character. I know Maxine had to survive because the third sequel which will be a proper follow-up to X will definitely follow the aftermath of her actions in X, I still couldn't help but feel Bobby-Lynne should have been the final survivor.
The splicing transitions was such a refreshing thing to see. I lit up everytime I saw it, I don’t know if it’s been done before but I really loved it.
The first and second half of the movie feel a little disjointed from each other, which is probably intentional, but it just made it jarring for me once it started unraveling into more of a slasher.
Also, Lorraine’s ‘I hate you all’ transition felt like a twisted version of post nut clarity 😂 just me on that one?
Anyways, I need to see it again! Probably not in the theater, but to have that gorgeous Blu ray cover on my shelf
love how the disconnect from the first and second half directly happens when they talk about psycho. its very mtea
Oh, trust me. It's definitely post-nut clarity.
Ok, just starting the video but let me tell you, I had to no idea Pearl was played by Mia Goth lol I knew it wasn't an old actress because it did look like make up, but no clue whatsoever! Definitely will have to watch it a secong time.
This film really took me by surprise.
Slasher films have always bored me but Ti West hit it out of the park and really made me looking forward to the prequel called PEARL.
Loved this movie.
Growing up in this time, makes the movie all the more satisfying.
Everyone in the movie are perfect in their roles.
Going to see it again next week.
I loved X! I was so impressed with the entire cast of this movie but Mia Goth in particular really impressed me, especially considering her dual role! Then again she’s always great like you said.
I feel like I need to see this again to really appreciate it, there was so much to this movie I don’t think you can take it all in with one watch lol
Love your spoiler talk! Keep doing these if possible
Finally got to see this one and i loved it. Wasn't brittany snow in prom night the remake. Thats a good one also. Thanks for the video.
Waiting patiently for your pearl review! I loved it
This movie was so fun. I loved it. Seeing it in theatre was such a great time. The crowd was so involved with the story. The cast was phenomenal. Mia Goth was fantastic. Jenna Ortega is definitely a rising star. She is the IT Girl of current Horror. Definitely the current Scream Queen. Brittany Snow is always on her game. Top Notch. Her singing Landslide gave me goosebumps. Favorite scene was definitely the gator stalking scene. That overhead shot with the gator swimming faster towards Maxine. Fantastic.
In answer to your question Emma- I knew immediately that Pearl was being played by a young actress. It was when the were at the table drinking lemonade that I knew it was Mia Goth playing both Maxine and Pearl. As the characters are walking to the front door shortly after this scene they stop to look at photographs of Pearl hung in the hallway. A photo of Pearl in her ballerina days is clearly shown and it is Mia pictured.
That sweater looks cozy as heck!
I feel it would’ve made more sense to have the preacher as Jenna Ortegas father bc everything hits the fan after she finishes her p**n scene . And the removing of the cross from her neck close up shot shows that now evil is near because that’s when Pearl wakes up . Like Pearl felt the protective veil get lifted or something.
Idk if you’ve seen the promo videos for the film, but Lorraines character was intentionally meant to throw the audience off in that way. That’s why she’s referred to as the church mouse at the beginning and someone you may expect to come out on top. But in the end she annoyingly places the blame elsewhere and then gets offed in the end
Thanks for this video!
About the old people sex scene-I think Ti West wanted to frame this act with dual reactions.
I actually find the moment when the old couple was sitting on the bed before sex was actually sweet. It’s like we are in their world. But when the camera lowers to reveal Maxine under the bed, the viewer is starting to see this act from the emotional Maxine’s POV. The music began to twist, and that birds eye shot made it look vulgar.
Perhaps I read too much into it, but I think that’s cool.
Brilliant film! Loved every moment, every frame! Instant physical purchase after renting! Will be watching again soon and multiply times over the years I'm sure. Everyone connected with the film did an outstanding & amazing job imo
I live in New Zealand and had no idea this was shot here!
after the second watch: I can tell they purposefully tried not to show too much landscape, you're not gonna find those wast Texas fields horizon shots there. Also the way the farm is framed by tall trees, kinda hiding from the rest of the country.
It did add another layer, now that Maxxxine is coming out soon!! So excited
Great video; great movie. There were some shots of her in a headscarf where I thought Mia Goth looked like the painting Girl With The Pearl Earring. Ah, Pearl..!