‘MaXXXine’ Review – An Icon Is Born

Synopsis: In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

Are you ready and willing to do whatever it takes to become successful? To be the best in any profession comes with sacrifices. Reaching the top requires endless hours of studying and perfecting your craft. It means less time hanging out with friends and going on dates. Unfortunately, those you care about may slowly drift away. Saying yes, even when you’re scared can place you atop others. Also, it helps to make yourself available whenever possible. Now, there are varying degrees of doing each of these things. You can find a healthy balance that results in you still having some social life or you can cut everyone off. You will see yourself rewarded if you put in the work. If not, well, let’s just hope they recognize, for their sake.

“I will not accept a life I do not deserve.”

Do you want to be a star? Would you like the whole world to know your name? Do you even have the drive or the talent? If not, I know someone who does. Maxine fucking Minx. Written, directed, and edited by Ti West, MaXXXine is an 80s-clad murder mystery in which an icon is born. Closing out what has become a completely unhinged and fantastically original trilogy, MaXXXine came to pull no punches, take no prisoners, but will gladly welcome admirers. Led by a blockbuster performance by Mia Goth, the film has 80s glam rock on tap, cocaine in its veins, and blood on its hands. Dipped in the sleaze and allure of 1985 Los Angeles, this franchise conclusion takes place with death and fear looming in the atmosphere as bodies are found brutalized and branded as the story is set against the backdrop of the investigation of the Night Stalker case. Blending fiction with reality, the story feels as wonderfully absurd as it does tangible.

At 32 years old, Maxine has made a name for herself as an adult entertainer but strives to become a household name. Underneath her newfound fame and confidence, Ms. Minx is still the scared girl from Texas but after the events of X, there’s a hardened shell of fuck around and find out. Let’s just say, you don’t want to corner her in a dark alley. As her dreams start coming to fruition, people around her begin to die and her past begins to haunt her. After all her hard work and stardom at her fingertips, the no-nonsense actress must get bloody again to achieve her dreams.

“The past ain’t finished with you, Maxine.”

MaXXXine is the most aesthetically pleasing horror film you’ll see all year. While its horror elements are a slight departure from its predecessors, they are present nonetheless. This self-aware installment is unlike the others, however, it still maintains that tinge of chaos and unpredictability making it more cohesive than you’d think. As the story unfolds in a titillating fashion, the film makes itself topical as it intertwines religious fanatics who seem to believe that Satan resides in Hollywood. Not only does it highlight the absurdity but also the weaknesses and hypocrisy of the group. It also continues to show its admiration for film and the minute details that make them special.

The film is bloody, thrilling, and probably more fun than it was intended to be. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but it means what it says. Maxine is the star she claims to be. She’s a humble beautiful badass who puts in the hard work and doesn’t take shit from anyone, that is why she is an icon. MaXXXine is a must-see with a lot to say. Its Rewatchability is high. Oh, and it helps tremendously if you’ve at least seen X.

Pace & Pop

The pacing of the film is extremely pleasing. There is a balance and flow between the various plots as they intertwine in a perfectly murderous fashion. What popped for me was the 1980s neon haze aesthetic that veils the film. Seeing this cocaine-fueled crime-ridden fun time in 35mm sent it over the top.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey,
Lily Collins, with Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon

If it wasn’t evident before, it’s cemented now. Mia Goth is a star. Her performance as Maxine solidifies this character as one that will withstand the test of time. From the accent to the switches in demeanor and overall badassery, Maxine is tattoo-worthy. The rest of the cast delivers great performances that fit the film perfectly. Some characters are purposely extra slime or just extra in general resulting in an engrossing atmosphere that you have fun in. Besides Goth, the other two performances that stand out are Kevin Bacon as private investigator, John Labat and Giancarlo Esposito as Teddy Night, Esq. Both characters are slightly over-the-top and sleazy to the core. It’s all in their movements and body language. It makes for fantastic interactions.

MaXXXine hits theaters on July 5, 2024. Stay safe and do not accept a life you do not deserve.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 44m Director: Ti West Writer: Ti West Producers: Jacob Jaffke, Ti West, Kevin Turen, Harrison Kreiss, Mia Goth Director of Photography: Eliot Rockett Production Design: Jason Kisvarday Editing: Ti West Costume Design: Mari-An Ceo Music: Tyler Bates Sound Design: Karen Baker Landers