Adem Jones || Issue 15 || March 5 , 2025
Horror fans have been eating well lately, and Ti West’s X, Pearl, and MaXXXine serve up a twisted, blood-drenched feast. This trilogy is both aesthetically pleasing and wildly entertaining, but at
times, it also walks a fine line between homage and indulgence. That being said, it’s a horror experience worth diving into, especially for those who love their slasher flicks with a side of artistic flair. The concept of three movies spanning different time periods yet all connected through character and theme. Genius. X gave us a gritty, ’70s-style exploitation horror that felt loving and critical of the genre’s past. Pearl flipped the script entirely, delivering a psychological character study wrapped up in a gorgeous technicolor package. Now, with MaXXXine, we see a neon-drenched, sleazy yet stylish conclusion that, for me, marks Mia Goth as one of horror’s most compelling leading ladies. Speaking of Mia Goth, wow. This trilogy introduced me to her, and I’m officially a fan. She’s mesmerizing, bringing a level of intensity and commitment that elevates these films beyond what viewers can typically expect from horror/slasher films. Pearl especially let her shine, giving us a villain (or tragic antihero?) with so much depth that it was impossible to look away. That monologue? Chilling. She really carries these movies in a way that makes them unforgettable. While I loved the trilogy, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some conflicting feelings. At times, the violence, especially towards women, felt dangerously close to slipping from critique into exploitation. There were moments where I wasn’t sure if West was exposing the genre’s history of objectifying women or continuing it. But considering the time periods these movies are set in and the commentary they seem to be making, I lean towards believing it’s intentional. Still, it’s a conversation worth having. One thing that can’t be debated is the trilogy’s style and execution. The casting is spot-on, the acting across the board is excellent, and the way each film embraces its era, both visually and tonally, is impressive. The plot twists hit hard, the horror is effective, and the emotional moments (especially in Pearl) land in ways most slashers wouldn’t even attempt. These movies are bold in a way horror should be. They aren’t just about gore
and body counts; they have something to say. Overall, I highly recommend checking these films out if you haven’t already. Or if you have, they’re worth revisiting with fresh eyes, especially now that the full trilogy is out. They’re stylish, twisted, well-acted, and memorable. Ti West took big swings with this series, and for the most part, he hit the mark. Horror is better when it takes risks, and X, Pearl, and MaXXXine prove that sometimes, the best scares come wrapped in unexpected, brilliantly crafted packages.
The Hudsonian 