X (2022): That X-Factor
The titular X in Ti West’s X (2022) not only refers to the rating of the same name but also its association with horror and pornography. Both horror and porn are intertwined and act as siblings due to being viewed as immoral and trash but based on their low budget status and catering to baser desires. Often, beginning filmmakers will start in either option to gain some legitimacy and move up the ladder, such as the case with famed horror director Wes Craven. West brings an excellent throwback slasher filled with blood and humor that embraces what it is and had me engaged.
In 1979 Texas, hopeful porn actress Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) travels with Wayne (Martin Henderson), her boyfriend/producer, along with porn stars Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow) and Jackson Hole (Scott Mescudi) and fresh director RJ (Owen Campbell) and his girlfriend/sound mixer Lorraine (Jenna Ortega) as they head from Houston to capitalize off of home video by filming an adult film. The group eventually lands at a decrypted farm owned by the elderly couple where the husband Howard (Stephen Ure) tells the group to avoid his wife during their stay.
Outside of being a great slasher, West fully understands the playful tone needed for the film and achieves it excellently. In the hands of a lesser filmmaker, the winks and nudges centered around filmmaking and pornography could come off as trite or eye-rolling but had me laughing throughout it. X understands the ridiculous elements and plays it straight, which makes it better. While an alternating tone does not work in some films, West properly utilizes it and even weaponizes it in some instances. The kills range from hilariously over the top to gruesome along those lines. One kill specifically had me giggling non-stop as it occurred.
It isn’t easy to single out one person from the cast due to the strength of the ensemble. Everyone gets a moment to shine, and it sticks within your mind. Snow is a personal favorite due to her line delivery and commitment to playing the Southern former dancer/top porn star Bobby-Lynne. Also, her chemistry with Mescudi stands out and delivers some of my favorite jokes. But the leading person of X is Goth’s Maxine. She’s a true chameleon in her role and has that X-factor, to quote a line from the film.
The plot and aesthetic of the movie bring to mind films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and 70s/80s slashers due to the hot Texas sun, a van of victims arriving at a derelict home, the elderly couple, and the eventual slaughter of the characters in an overt fashion. X wears its homages proudly on its sleeves which makes them even better. The film desires to give you quality chills and thrills and does it very successfully. West embraces the throwback nature of the movie, which strengthens it. It’s lean, mean, and hits all of the right nerves. The blood never stops and for the better.
X comments on the history of independent film through genres such as horror and pornography. The group wants to create an adult film that feels different from the others and will bring them success apart from the more traditional Hollywood system. It’s not surprising that West chose pornography since there’s that history of filmmakers finding success on their own, much like horror. The film not demonize performers and their sexual freedom but presents it like any other acting job. Sure it’s a bit strange and goofy, and X knows it, but it does not downplay it. It’s very upfront and does not shy away from discussing it. Also, this decision makes sense for a slasher since sex has become synonymous with it.
X came swinging out of the gates and holding its among other great horror films despite it only being early 2022. It’s a fun joyride that only West could have done. Filled with plenty of horror, comedy, and skin, it’s one of the most unique and energetic slashers I have seen in a while.
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Continuing “Monster March” I will be talking The Fly on Sunday.
