Review: “MaXXXine”

Ti West completes his trilogy of fame and horror with “MaXXXine,” a direct sequel to 2022’s “X.” In the first film, West perfectly mimicked the 70’s slasher feel.  The follow-up prequel, “Pearl,” fused horror with the mise-en-scène of classic cinema.  It should be no surprise that he once again delivers a genre perfect seedy 80’s horror film.

It’s been a few years since Maxine (Mia Goth) survived the ghastly events at Pearl’s farmhouse.  She’s stayed true to her mantra and has “refused to accept a life she does not deserve.”  No longer a mere small town stripper, she’s moved to Hollywood and become a famous porn star known as Maxxxine Minx.  After conquering the adult film scene, and knowing her time in that industry is limited, she’s attempting to make a transition to mainstream film.  Well, almost mainstream.  Maxine’s sleazy yet fiercely loyal agent, Teddy Night, Esq. (Giancarlo Esposito) has lined up an opportunity for her to appear in a low budget horror sequel shooting soon.

The closer her dreams of becoming a true star get to reality, the more bad things begin to happen around her.  Someone who knows about her past has sent a depraved private investigator after her (Kevin Bacon).  Soon, people she knows start to turn up dead.  Her association to all the victims catches the attention of two detectives, Williams (Michelle Monaghan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale) who can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something.  It’s clear that Maxine will stop at nothing to manifest her dreams, but she’s never been up against this much pressure and scrutiny before.

“MaXXXine” is exactly what one expects it to be, a love letter (or porno?) to cinephiles of the 80’s horror genre.  It’s been reported that cameras and filming methods from that time period were used to capture that unique aesthetic.  The sound track could not be more perfect, with hits from Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, and ZZ top.  The narrative couples all this with true crime news and fictional references/homages to various tropes of that era.  As a whole it locks us firmly into the thrilling yet terrifying world of LA in the 80s.

All of the lead actors in this film understood the assignment.  Each leans just enough in to the camp, but not too far. Mia Goth is as great as ever and brings a ferocity that is a joy to behold.  Giancarlo Esposito is clearly having fun with his character that balances between comical and intimidating.  Kevin Bacon is so sleazy that we wish the theater handed out Purell at each screening.  Bobby Cannavale perfectly embodies a cop who also dreamt of being a star, but just couldn’t cut it.

“MaXXXine” is an absolutely delight through and through.  My only complaint is a lack of excess that felt earned by this point.  There’s far less sex, nudity, and gore than was in “X.”  Considering the subject matter, time period, and advertising, it felt like it should have swollen into something larger.  But it’s a small disappointment when compared to the love this film has for its predecessors.   “MaXXXine” is in theaters now and is best seen with a large audience, so catch it before it slinks away to digital.