We’re fast approaching 20 years since director Ti West released his first feature film, The Roost. Since then, he has meticulously crafted his signature style behind the lens, primarily in the realm of horror. Notable among these features are The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, and The Sacrament. However, arguably his latest venture with actress Mia Goth in what has become the X film series has garnered the most attention. The first of these, X, was a significant hit in 2022, with its unique spin on the slasher genre and notable nods to the 70s films that marked the industry, such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Just when we thought our horror appetite was satiated, West delivered another serving with Pearl, which arced back to 1918 with the titular villain, again played by Goth, and was infused with the birth of Technicolor films.

So, with the announcement that a third installment was on the horizon and would be set in the heart of the 80s—the era of big hair, big action, and high levels of glorious entertainment—needless to say, I was eager to see the finale and had highlighted this as one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

Upon watching Maxxxine, the final installment in Ti West’s trilogy, it’s evident that while the film possesses a lot of style and pays notable homage to the films of the 80s, it unfortunately falls short in substance. The era’s aesthetic is captured impeccably, from the vibrant neon lights to the pulsating synth-heavy soundtrack. The attention to detail in recreating the 80s is commendable, with West and his team clearly putting a lot of effort into making the film feel authentic to the time period.

Mia Goth once again delivers a strong performance, embodying the titular character with a raw intensity that has become a hallmark of the series. Her portrayal of Maxxxine is layered and compelling, and she brings a magnetic presence to the screen that is hard to ignore. The supporting cast also does a commendable job, with each actor fitting seamlessly into the world West has created.

However, where Maxxxine stumbles is in its narrative depth and impact. The plot feels somewhat thin, lacking the same level of intrigue and tension that made X and Pearl so engaging. While the film is packed with stylistic nods to the 80s and bursts of nostalgia, it doesn’t quite manage to weave these elements into a story that resonates on a deeper level. The themes explored in the previous films seem to be diluted here, and the emotional stakes never quite reach the heights that fans might have hoped for.

Additionally, the film’s climax, while visually impressive, doesn’t deliver the satisfying conclusion that the trilogy deserved. It feels restrained, not going as big or bold as one might expect for the final chapter of such an ambitious series. There are moments of brilliance scattered throughout, but they are often overshadowed by a sense of missed potential and unfulfilled promises.

The Prognosis:

Maxxxine‘s vibrant depiction of the 80s serves as a colorful facade, masking the deeper issues at hand—a fitting metaphor for the film itself, which dazzles with style but lacks the impactful substance beneath the surface.

• Saul Muerte