Horror sequels are seemingly endless these days and 2024 is going to be full of them. However, one of the most beloved modern franchises of late has beenTi West’sX. The slasher starringMia Gothin a horrifying duel role debuted in the spring of 2022. Genre fans haven’t looked back since. Now, ahead of the final part in theXtrilogy,MaXXXine, debuting later this year,Xwill be killing its way to Netflix next month.
The popular streamer has announced thatXwill be coming to the platform on Thursday, February 1. West has beenone of the genre’s hidden gemsfor over a decade with uniquely hunting tales likeThe House of the DevilandThe Innkeeperunder his blood-soaked belt. However, withX, the filmmaker finally hit the big time with a film that was not only a love letter to classic grindhouse cinema, but an ensemble slashers that took over the genre in the latter half of the 20th century, likeFriday the 13thandScream.The Texas Chain Saw Massacreinfluences could be felt throughout this entire sun-soaked nightmare.
However, it was the gruesome kills, unapologetic sexual nature, and thought-provoking themes that madeXa satisfyingly nasty breed of its own creation.Using the backdrop of the porn industry, X was this hypnotic experience that chillingly explored our fear of aging and how the older generations continue to look down on their younger counterparts. The 70s backdrop also created this eerie dream-like edge that got under our skin as much as it cleverly reinforced the stereotypes that were put on the characters. When you add the razor sharp cast that includesJenna Ortega(Scream), Kid Cudi, Brittney Snow, Martin Henderson and Stephen Ure,Xwas arguably the first must-watch slasher experience of the 2020s.
Mia Goth’s a Horror Queen
However, nothing compares to Goth’s masterful performance as both Maxine and Pearl in the film.While Maxine was a young up-and-coming actress,Pearlwas this monstrous older soul whose own “American Dream” was crushed decades prior. Her tragic jealousy fueled the horror ofX, with what Goth brought to both roles beingsomething that should have gotten her anOscar nomination. It’s simply a masterclass in acting to the point that Pearl is now a genre icon. Even though the character’s not even two years old, it’s hard to imagine horror without her frightening dance moves. Pearl’s star status was alsocemented by the character’s self-titled prequel, which was released in the fall of 2022and completely flipped the franchise’s themes on its head in a dementedWizard of Oz-infestedfever dream. This was a mind-bending exercise that Goth co-wrote with West.
When Does ‘MaXXXine’ Release?
MaXXXinedoesn’t have an exact release date yet, but it’s set to hit theaters sometime in 2024. Plot details are scarce at the moment. That being said, the sequel will pick up in the 80s after the deadly events that took place at Pearl’s farmhouse. It will be heavilyinfluenced by theVHS boomas Maxine finally lives out her dream as a “legitimate” film star. While horror fans anxiously wait for this slasher trilogy capper’s first trailer, you may begin your West rewatch binge this February whenXscares its way toNetflix. The trailer can be viewed below.
