The Wasteland Reviewer

MaXXXine (2024) Written Review

What does Ti West have up his sleeve for the third (and possibly final) film in his X Trilogy? With X, West brought audiences back to the grindhouse flicks of the 1970s. Pearl was a technicolor ode to films of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. For MaXXXine, West balances a healthy dose of giallo horror and noirish films like Chinatown. You can tell that West is fond of the works of Dario Argento and Roman Polanski as he writes a bloody love letter to good old Hollywood. But Maxine’s story takes yet another dark turn as she finds herself in the target of a vicious killer who has been taking out people who do meet the expectation of “Godliness” of the Christian Right. 

What does West have to say about this 80s murder mystery? The film opens with a lot of old TV news coverage of The Night Stalker killer as well as the Satanic Panic of the Reagan era of America (the Dee Snider testifying in front of Congress clip was the cherry on top).  The core of the film is a murder mystery (and you certainly will not get the truth of that mystery here) but it is one that might come off obvious based on what is set up in X and the past trauma that Maxine experienced. This also works thematically as the film does take place during the 1980s…a time full of indulgence, excess, and “non-Christian” debauchery. A lot of MaXXXine is clear and surface level in its commentary with plenty of dashes of meta commentary and references. 

Does the story deliver on Maxine’s journey? Both X and Pearl contained small-scale stories, but MaXXXine is a big Hollywood story that explores classic film sets along with other famous LA monuments. But it is not just the setting that is getting larger but the scope of narrative as well. Maxine is trying to break into Hollywood after a successful career in adult film. But as she gets closer to this dream of being a star, she is dragged into this mystery as bodies (including those close to her) start to mount. Stalked by a private investigator, hunted by a man with black leather gloves, navigating the cops, and trying to get on the good side of a strong up-and-coming female director, MaXXXine has plenty. Some of these elements feel flat and underdeveloped (especially in the inclusion of the police characters). But the ride is certainly tons of fun. 

How does West create this entertaining atmosphere to keep the audience engaged? West is a talented director and editor who brings a sharp and energetic atmosphere to this pulpy slasher flick. The needle drops are fantastic with the metal flair of RATT and Judas Priest and the perfect use of a ZZ Top song to really capture the vibe that West is going for. There are plenty of neon lights, grainy VHS tapes, and mountains of cocaine. This is about as 80s as a film can get from a visual, vibe, and thematic standpoint. West includes plenty of references and motifs from films like Chinatown with its LA setting and a private investigator looking a lot like Mr. Jake Gettes. But in the bloodiest moments, you can see the giallo shine through. The way the film hides the killer behind just a set of black leather gloved hands screams Argento. The flowing blood, brutality, and visceral imagery captures the spirit of those giallo pictures. 

But who is the real star of MaXXXine? THE Maxine of course. Mia Goth is a star for sure. The intensity and confidence that she brings to the table are incredible. Every moment she is on screen, you cannot look away. The unique personality and charisma that Goth possesses makes him the ideal scream queen for this neon drenched murder mystery. There are plenty of other stars in the film who make an impression. Elizabeth Debicki is a towering and commanding presence who embodies the aura of an auteur filmmaker (maybe living a bit of West’s experience on screen as well). Kevin Bacon is slimy and gross as the dick on the case trying to find Maxine. He makes for a charismatic antagonist who plays well off Goth’s energy. The likes of Giancarlo Esposito, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, and Halsey don’t get a ton to do except be charismatic, but they fit nicely into this world that West creates. 

Does MaXXXine stick the landing? The first two films in this franchise might be more refined and focused but MaXXXine is still tons of fun. There are great moments throughout. The energy and pacing are engrossing. Goth is the kind of star you just want to be able to watch. This modern giallo slasher has plenty of big bloody moments to put you on the edge of your seat. This is the kind of bonkers horror that A24 is known for and we hope that West keeps them coming.