Mia Goth delivers an extraordinary performance in MaXXXine, the concluding chapter of Ti West’s horror trilogy, offering a refreshingly intense summer slasher experience. Unlike X, which was a straightforward horror film, or Pearl, which was unpredictably unhinged, this third installment blends elements from both predecessors and explores various cinematic influences, resulting in a mix of thrilling moments and a disjointed, chaotic vibe.
While the first film paid homage to Tobe Hooper’s slasher classics and the second reimagined The Wizard of Oz, MaXXXine shifts its references to the gritty New Hollywood era of the ’70s and ’80s, drawing inspiration from films like Chinatown and Body Double. This installment presents a retro portrayal of a dreamland tinged with nightmares, blending satire with a nostalgic nod to classic Hollywood while ultimately prioritizing style over substance.
Set in 1985 Los Angeles, the film immerses viewers in a world filled with eerie celebrity lookalikes, dangerous cults, and adult film VHS stores, with Ronald Reagan on the TV and Frankie Goes to Hollywood on the radio. Maxine, now the sole survivor of the Texas Porn Movie Massacre, aspires to transition into a respected actress. At the movie’s start, she auditions for a role in The Puritan sequel, hoping to prove her star power.
With the support of her dedicated agent Teddy (Giancarlo Esposito) and her close friend Leon (Moses Sumney), Maxine strives to rise above her past. However, her journey is complicated by a real-life serial killer known as The Night Stalker, who starts targeting those close to her. This leads LAPD detectives Williams (Michelle Monaghan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale) into her life, threatening to expose her darkest secrets.
Maxine, however, shows she’s more than capable of handling herself. In a memorable scene, she defends herself against an attacker in an alley, showcasing her resourcefulness and toughness. This type of visceral, B-horror gore is a hallmark of MaXXXine, which also pays homage to genres like giallo and noir cinema.
Maxxxine’s Struggle Amidst Chaos and Brutality
As Maxine navigates iconic locations like the Walk of Fame and the Bates Motel set, the film deconstructs the myth of the Hollywood dream, revealing it as a facade of desperation and deceit. Much like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood explored the late ’60s cultural shifts, MaXXXine delves into the era’s defining themes, including Satanic Panic and increasingly explicit onscreen content.
Despite its tangled narrative and numerous callbacks to earlier films, which may be confusing for new viewers, MaXXXine stands out due to Mia Goth’s powerhouse performance. Her portrayal is a forceful display of talent, turning every scene into a showcase of her magnetic presence. Embracing the film’s wild moments and Goth’s compelling performance may be the best way to appreciate this chaotic finale.