Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx in the horror film “MaXXXine,” marking the conclusion of the “X” film series. This ongoing collaboration between Goth and director Ti West began in 2020 with the release of “X” and “Pearl” in 2022. Both West and Goth have been integral to every entry in the series, with “MaXXXine” serving as a direct sequel to “X.”

The series has been hailed as one of the best horror film sagas in recent years. The latest film represents the culmination of the collaborative efforts between the leading lady and director, and the storyline for the film’s titular character, Maxine Minx.

The synopsis reads: “In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.” (A24)

Each film in the series pays homage to classic Hollywood, adding a unique twist to the horror genre.

The ‘X’ Film Series

The first entry, “X,” follows a small group of people in Texas who set out to make an adult film in 1979. Upon arriving at the guesthouse they plan to use as a set, they discover that the old homeowners from the farm, who oversee the property, are not what they seem when evil things start to happen to the band of filmmakers. The film stars Netflix’s “Wednesday” leading actress Jenna Ortega, rapper Scott Mescudi aka “Kid Cudi,” and Brittany Snow from the “Pitch Perfect” trilogy.

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In this installment, we are first introduced to Maxine, portrayed by Goth, an exotic dancer with aspirations of becoming a big star and a sex symbol. Goth also plays Pearl, one of the elderly homeowners who acts very strange, and the film unravels the reasons for her sinister actions. Goth would be in makeup and prosthetics to become the character. The film is an ode to classic ’70s horror films like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

The next film, “Pearl,” is a prequel to “X” that reveals the origin story of young Pearl, also portrayed by Goth. Like Maxine, Pearl dreams of becoming a movie star in 1918, but her ambitions are stifled by her small-town farmhouse life and the responsibility of caring for her sick and paralyzed father under the strict hand of her mother. As a result of her limitations, she evolves into a psychopath, leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. The film’s editing, title and credit sequences, music, and cinematography are reminiscent of Technicolor films like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Mary Poppins.”

Both movies were filmed back-to-back, with “Pearl” using the same sets that were built for “X.” The films were shot in New Zealand during the pandemic.

‘MaXXXine’ Closes the Series

“MaXXXine” takes place after the events of “X.” Set and shot in Los Angeles, the film follows Maxine as she pursues her dreams of Hollywood superstardom. The film exudes an ’80s slasher vibe and features a cast that includes Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.

The film was being released Friday. It is produced by Motel Mojave and Access Entertainment and distributed by A24.

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