Ti West concludes his X trilogy with a blood-soaked love letter to 1980s Hollywood, blending slasher horror, neo-noir, and exploitation cinema into a stylish, neon-drenched thriller. While MaXXXine doesn't quite reach the psychological heights of Pearl, it remains an immensely entertaining finale that cements Mia Goth as one of modern horror's defining stars.
Set six years after the events of X, Maxine Minx is determined to leave the adult film industry behind and become a legitimate Hollywood actress. But as a serial killer stalks Los Angeles and ghosts from her past begin to resurface, her dream of stardom comes at a deadly cost.
The film's greatest strength is its atmosphere. Every frame oozes '80s excess, from the synth-heavy soundtrack and grimy Los Angeles streets to the vibrant cinematography and countless nods to horror history. Ti West clearly has an affection for the era, and that passion shines through in every scene. Mia Goth once again commands the screen with effortless confidence, portraying Maxine as a survivor whose relentless ambition makes her as fascinating as she is flawed.
Where MaXXXine stumbles is in its story. The mystery surrounding the killer never feels quite as compelling as it should, and the final act doesn't deliver the same emotional or thematic payoff as its predecessors. Several supporting characters are enjoyable but underused, leaving the narrative feeling slightly overstuffed despite its brisk runtime. These criticisms have been echoed by many reviewers, who praised the film's style and performances while finding the screenplay less satisfying than X or Pearl.
Despite those shortcomings, MaXXXine never stops being entertaining. It's slick, violent, funny in all the right places, and bursting with personality. As the final chapter in Ti West's trilogy, it may not be the strongest entry, but it's a fitting farewell to one of horror's most memorable modern protagonists.
Rating: 3/5
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