X – 2022 – Horror
Directed by: Ti West
Written by: Ti West
Main Players: Mia Goth; Jenna Ortega; Brittany Snow; Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi); Martin Henderson; Owen Campbell; Stephen Ure
Veteran horror director Ti West kicks off a very solid “trilogy” that begins with X. A small cast and limited locations likely kept the production budget smaller, but the movie plays out as strong as most any slasher-type horror movie of the last few decades.
Taking place in 1979, a porno production secures an isolated farmhouse bungalow to stay at, looking to shoot some authentic scenes for its skin flick. The farm is run by an elderly couple who are not aware of the movie crew’s intentions and were only expecting one guest. Producer Wayne (Henderson) pays extra to the host Howard (Ure) in order to make it right, and the production gets underway filming sex scenes in various locations.
Maxine (Goth), Bobby-Lynne (Snow) and Jackson (Mescudi) are the porn actors, all taking their turns acting while RJ (Campbell) and Lorraine (Ortega) act as camera crew. Events take a turn for the worse however, as the elderly couple Howard and Pearl (also played by Goth) realize what their guests are up to. Things go from sexy to torturous quickly.
There are some truly nefarious scenes in this, including plenty of graphic violence. However, the most uncomfortable scene, by far, has no blood or guts, just a bed. Horror fans likely know about this movie, but those that can handle some graphic violence should check it out for the thrills and surprises.
The 2023 sequel Pearl acts as a prequel, while the 2024 sequel MaXXXine acts as a true sequel. All movies are quite different from each other.
See This If You Liked:
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974; 2003); Green Room; Halloween (1978); Black Christmas (1974); You’re Next; Hostel; High Tension (Haute Tension); House of 1000 Corpses
Score:
7.5