Horror-thriller-satire "MaXXXine" concludes Ti West's horror trilogy, following "X" and "Pearl." It stars Mia Goth as Maxine Minx, a successful adult film star in 1980s Hollywood who pursues mainstream acting but becomes the target of a mysterious killer.
Goth, who co-wrote "Pearl" and co-produced the trilogy, gained significant visibility for her performances, portraying multiple characters.
West's retro horror trilogy received critical acclaim for its gory, funny, smart, and unnerving storytelling, emulating 1970s film stock and classics like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
Set in 1980s Hollywood characterized by powder and paranoia, "MaXXXine" references real-life events like the "Night Stalker" killings, maintaining a coolly cynical tone throughout Maxine's pursuit of fame.
It features an iconic rock and pop soundtrack, and shifts genres throughout its 104 minutes.
The cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Kevin Bacon, Giancarlo Esposito, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, and Bobby Cannavale. Sumney, in his first significant acting role, plays Maxine's close friend Leon.
Debicki said she was surprised by the offer to take part in the film. She admitted she couldn't bear to watch some parts of the movie. Famed director Martin Scorsese also found it disturbing.
Some critics found the movie lacking in meaningful commentary on Hollywood.
"MaXXXine" is currently only available in theaters but will be available for purchase or rent on digital streaming platforms like Prime Video, AppleTV+, Google Play, and VUDU after its theatrical run, with a potential rental or purchase date around mid-August.
Sources: USA Today, CBS News, Forbes, The New York Times, The Independent, NPR, France 24, Cinepop, The Washington Post, Zócalo, Los Angeles Times, Yahoo, Financial Times
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
