‘MaXXXine’ Review: Ti West’s Trilogy Gives Mia Goth’s Heroine the Farewell She Deserves

CNN
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In keeping with the current cinematic era, even a franchise centered on slasher and porn now has its “universe,” as “MaXXXine” caps an unlikely trilogy from writer-director Ti West and star Mia Goth. Upping the ante in terms of casting, the film works better as an ode to the movies and grime of 1980s Hollywood, and less as a mystery built around its budding starlet.

She’s Maxine Minx, an adult film actress who survived a rural massacre while filming in a remote area of ​​”X,” whose roots were explored in the prequel “Pearl.” Now, Maxine is in Los Angeles trying to make it in legitimate movies (“Acting is acting,” she says confidently in her audition), even though said movie is a horror film that provokes protests and accusations of Satanism outside the studio.

As she chases this big break, repeating her mantra of “I won’t accept a life I don’t deserve,” Maxine also learns that someone seems to be after her, having set a private investigator (Kevin Bacon, in a frenzy) after her, digging up memories of her past. It at least provides some connective tissue for “X,” and motivations that might go beyond the main character being really, really unlucky in the way that “final girls” often are.

The danger also comes at a time when the city is on high alert, since it’s 1985 and the Night Stalker killer is still on the loose. Maxine’s porn buddies don’t seem particularly on edge as they struggle to meet people with the clout to advance their careers.

In addition to Bacon, the supporting cast includes Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito, Elizabeth Debicki of “The Crown” and Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Monaghan as a pair of detectives eager to glean what Maxine knows about the crime spree surrounding her — which only serves to trigger her skepticism and positive attitude, applying the same ruthless pursuit of fame to her self-defense.

Goth once again transforms her alter ego into a force of nature, but the film’s simpler pleasures lie in its evocation of the era, with songs like “Bette Davis Eyes” and the hit “St. Elmo’s Fire,” as well as billboards of Angelyne and nods to films like “Dressed to Kill.”

While the box office has seen welcome signs of life this summer, horror has remained a reliable staple since the pandemic began, thanks in part to the quality of discounted films like “X” and “Pearl” relative to would-be blockbusters, provided they deliver the requisite thrills.

West mixes a bit of humor with the gore here, though the result, alas, doesn’t live up to the buildup. But at this point, “MaXXXine” has delivered enough nostalgia for its genre to merit a stroll through its alleys, and incidentally, the showcase and farewell that the Goth character deserves.

“MaXXXine” will be released in U.S. theaters on July 5. It is rated R.