In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.
- Released: 2022-03-17
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thrillers
- Stars: Mia Goth, Martin Henderson, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Kid Cudi, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, James Gaylyn, Simon Prast, Matthew Saville, Bryony Skillington, Geoff Dolan
- Director: Ti West
Comments
- salmon62 - 25 June 2024
Nudity and arty camera angles can't save this movie
I think people liked this movie because it seemed "edgy" or whatever? You can find better nudity elsewhere like in a true porn film, which is what the actors in this film are trying to make.
But take away the attractive nude actresses and theres not much to this film. It isn't a slasher, after all. Its kind of a crime thriller based on other older movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. But theres not much tension and the momentum is interrupted often.
Maybe its because it depicts bad behavior or counterculture ideas that people admire? I don't know. The movie is over-hyped. It can't decide what it wants to be, besides provocative in its subject matter. But you could just watch porn for that. . . - vingolf-01993 - 1 June 2024
Superior direction! But the plot...
I found 'X' to be a pretty well-done movie. I was pleasantly surprised by the recreation of vintage film aesthetics; the direction and visuals really captivated me. Despite the low-budget expectations often associated with horror movies, the quality does dip at certain points, but I still believe that movies like this are rare. While the plot might not be as brilliant as the artistic elements such as the color, filters, and editing, Ty West's treatment of the film is genuinely interesting as many other works from him like Outcast, Them: The scare to mention some of them. You may watch it and judge by yourself. - visualsbyalan - 1 April 2024
"X" Reinvigorates the Slasher Film Genre
Ti West's "X" cuts a fresh path through the familiar territory of the slasher film. Steeped in a lovingly recreated 1970s aesthetic, the film follows an adult film crew on a secluded shoot who find themselves stalked by a deranged elderly couple, Howard and Pearl. This 2022 horror film is a love letter to the golden age of the slasher, a period defined by practical effects, deliberate pacing, and a surprising amount of character development before the body count rises. While "X" wears its influences proudly, West injects his own style and wit, resulting in a film that feels fresh and thematically rich.
Set against the backdrop of the sun-drenched Texas countryside, "X" follows a ragtag crew of adult filmmakers on a secluded shoot. Their ambition - to capture a porno masterpiece - is both their driving force and their eventual downfall. The charismatic Maxine (played with a captivating duality by Mia Goth) leads the charge, determined to carve her name into the annals of adult cinema history. The rest of the cast is equally well-drawn, from the troubled young starlet Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow) to her weary boyfriend Jackson (Kid Cudi). West takes his time establishing these characters, allowing us to become invested in their dreams, desires, and ultimately, their struggle for survival.
As the crew delves deeper into their project, they become unknowingly observed by the film's true antagonists: Howard (Martin Henderson) and Pearl (also played by Goth in a transformative performance). This elderly couple, residing in the secluded farmhouse that serves as the film's setting, harbor a darkness that slowly reveals itself. Themes of aging, desire, and the fleeting nature of beauty bubble just beneath the surface, adding a layer of complexity to the standard slasher fare.
The film's slow-burn approach might test the patience of viewers accustomed to the frenetic energy of modern horror. However, West rewards those who stay the course with masterfully crafted suspense. The Texas sun becomes a character itself, casting long shadows that heighten our sense of unease. The camerawork, particularly the use of lingering 360-degree shots, is deliberate and effective, creating a palpable tension that explodes into gloriously gory violence in the film's latter half. Thankfully, West eschews CGI in favor of practical effects, a choice that adds to the film's retro charm and authenticity.
"X" isn't for everyone. The heavy use of nudity and graphic violence might alienate some viewers. Additionally, the film's deeper themes are more subtle and may not resonate with everyone seeking a straightforward gorefest.
But for those seeking a slasher with a bite, "X" delivers. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, offering new layers to discover with each encounter. Fans of classic slashers like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" will find much to love here, while those seeking a more thoughtful exploration of genre tropes will appreciate West's masterful execution. Consider watching it as a double feature with its prequel, "Pearl," released later in 2022, for an even deeper exploration of the characters and themes. Ultimately, "X" is a satisfying and stylish horror experience, proving that there's still plenty of life left in the slasher genre, especially in the capable hands of Ti West.
7.225/10. - christopher-underwood - 8 January 2023
I liked the idea of it set in the seventies
I liked the idea of it set in the seventies and a couple of kids and a camera, and a boom, setting of in their van to a terrible old bit of a desolate countryside and almost abandoned farm buildings. Just the wonderful place to make their porn picture, oh and the two old people. It appears that they are very old and it seems that they might not notice at all as they start stripping off. The problem is that we know exactly what is going to happen. The music is great and the action inside and out but we just know what is going on, even if they don't. Unfortunately it is also very slow so we seem to be ahead all the time and as it gets towards the last half hour it seems to become rather silly. I wanted to like the film and I didn't hate it but if it had been a bit sharper it might have seemed okay. - YellowGardenFurniture - 5 January 2023
Watch once and then forget
Half decent B Movie - ultimately silly but no doubt there will be some kind of sequel or low quality franchise.
Kind of in the Texas Chainsaw massacre style where several young people end up in a backwater , renting out a house connected to farmhouse where an old couple live. Then it's relatively formulaic from thereon in.
Production values are pretty good and also the acting is OK. It's a slightly different kind of slasher movie so it has that going for it. I guess it's quite low budget so it's never going to be top notch.
I would say watch it once and then forget it completely. TBH, there are many many worse films out there. - RussHog - 21 December 2022
Good slasher
I liked this film a lot. It was a very well made slasher with interesting characters, good build up, and a cool bloody finale. The work was pretty twisted but it was never shock or gore just for shock or gore sake there was a good story going on. The premise is that a younger group of people go to make an adult movie at the farm that belongs to two strange old folks who - when they learn what is going on - decide to start to kill the filmmakers. What follows is a pretty wild action packed bloodbath with a solid conclusion and some icky wild twists. If you like a good slow burn horror/slasher and have kind of a dark twisted sense of humor this film is perfect for you. - drewvogelaar - 13 December 2022
2022 Might be the Best Year for Horror
I enjoy watching trailers for new movies. Whether it be for a film I've been looking forward to or a film I've never heard of. X was a movie I had never heard of. The first trailer for X made me fall in love. It reminded me of seventy horror movies, and I love seventies horror movies. I hoped the film would live up to my expectations. It lived up to the expectations and far succeeded them.
I'm not really sure where to begin when talking about X. The film's seventies setting is perfectly portrayed. You really feel immersed in the late 70s; it's one of the reasons I was most excited about seeing this film. Ti West is the perfect director for this film. His vision and direction for this film make for an enhanced viewing experience. Neither of those things is the reason for my love of this film. I love this film primarily because of the performances of the main three actresses: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, and Brittany Snow. Snow is excellent as pornographic actress Bobby-Lynne. Jenna Ortega has built an impressive resume in horror this year alone (Scream, X, and playing Wednesday Adams). Ortega feels like she's now a mainstay in horror, and I look forward to seeing her in future movies. The best performance in the film belongs to Mia Goth. Goth plays the main character, Maxine and Pearl. When the two characters are on screen, you can't even tell it's the same actress.
10/10 A fantastic film that serves as an homage to seventies horror. - mrmgarnham - 28 November 2022
B-movie styled horror porn
A weird 70s Horror 'porn' starring Mia Goth. It comes across as a b-movie with the sfx and writing, and makes absolutely no sense to have Mia made up as an old woman in this. Enjoyable to a point. Definitely not one to watch again.
Imdb STILL trying to force spoiler laden reviews with the new minimum character limit imdb STILL trying to force spoiler laden reviews with the new minimum character limit imdb STILL trying to force spoiler laden reviews with the new minimum character limitimdb STILL trying to force spoiler laden reviews with the new minimum character limit imdb STILL trying to force spoiler laden reviews with the new minimum character limit. - lindelane - 16 November 2022
HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE SLOW BURN
This movie almost hits the mark. I loved the retro cinematic and the actors were great. I loved the porno culture and how they almost pulled off giving Mia Goth two roles. I hated that last scene where you could clearly distinguish that Mia Goth was also playing the old pearl.
And i feel like the characters didn't really have to die one after the other like that. The gore will make you cringe.
I was going to rate this movie 5 if i hadn't seen the Prequel pearl because pearl had no back story and we had no idea why she hated blonds or why she slept on the bed alongside Maxime.
It's a slow burner.
