MaXXXine concludes a riveting saga that has enthralled viewers since the debut of the first film, X. The story, set in the haunting backdrop of 1980s Hollywood, continues to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative. Director Ti West’s unique style in the horror genre, known for crafting eerie atmospheres, has been integral to the franchise’s success. His expert use of visuals and storytelling has been praised widely. Even the legendary Stephen King, the undisputed “King of Horror” himself, couldn’t help but sing the Mia Goth starrer film’s praise.
Stephen King Praised MaXXXine In Three Words
Mia Goth in MaXXXine (2024). Image Credit: A24
Stephen King has lavished praise on A24’s slasher film, MaXXXine. The film, written and directed by Ti West, marks the third entry in West’s gripping X series, which kicked off with the 2022 release of X. Following its success, a prequel named Pearl was released just months later. Now, MaXXXine is a direct sequel to X, featuring the return of Mia Goth alongside new additions like Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, and Michelle Monaghan.
As the movie is releasing on July 5th, the renowned author Stephen King has shared his thoughts about the film on his official X account. Check out his post below:
MaXXXine is terrific.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 4, 2024
Since the X series began in 2022, both installments have been well-received by critics and fans alike. X was commended for its fresh spin on the classic slasher formula and its ability to keep audiences engaged. The prequel, Pearl, released six months later, also received similar acclaim, particularly for Goth’s standout performance. Thus, it’s not surprising that King is among those praising the third installment, MaXXXine.
Early reviews highlight the exceptional performances, especially Goth’s, who continues to prove herself as a formidable talent. Another significant aspect of MaXXXine is its ability to stand alone as a movie. Viewers can enjoy it without having seen the previous films in the series.
Mia Goth On Leading Ti West’s Slasher Trilogy
Mia Goth in MaXXXine (2024). Image Credit: A24
Filmmaker Ti West has been widely acclaimed for rejuvenating the slasher genre through his A24 trilogy: X, Pearl, and MaXXXine. Mia Goth, the star of these films, echoes the praise and shares how these roles have transformed her career.
“The work has given me a whole new level of confidence that I hadn’t had before,” the 30-year-old actress mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter, “It changed me forever,” she added.
Goth specifically highlights her dual role in the technicolor shocker, Pearl, the prequel to 2022’s X. In X, Goth portrayed Maxine, a young adult film actress who, along with her colleagues, fell victim to a murderous elderly couple in a remote Texas farmhouse in 1979. The prequel, Pearl, explored the backstory of the murderous wife, revealing a shared yearning for stardom between Pearl and Maxine, both played by Goth.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever have another role quite like Pearl again,” Goth reflected on playing a troubled young woman living on a farm, responsible for her ailing father while under the strict control of her German mother.
“I feel very grateful because many actors go for an entire career and never have that sort of platform. It showed me that I can listen to my gut, to my intuition, and follow what feels right to me. Because when I’m given the space, and the setting is right and I feel comfortable in that sort of environment, it really can potentially create an environment where as a performer I can blossom.“
Goth attributes her success to her collaborative relationship with West, stating, “I’ve never had a relationship with a director like that.”
Her previous roles include starring in Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac: Vol. II, Claire Denis’ High Life, Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria, Sergio G. Sanchez’s Marrowbone, Gore Verbinski’s A Cure for Wellness, and Autumn de Wilde’s Emma.
“It didn’t feel like I was just a hired gun on a movie set. I was really involved in the entire process, from its conception to the postproduction, on Pearl. It opened my eyes to what is available, what is possible.“
The cast of MaXXXine boasts notable names such as Elizabeth Debicki, Lily Collins, Halsey, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Giancarlo Esposito, Sophie Thatcher, Moses Sumney, and Kevin Bacon.
MaXXXine releases on July 5.
Check out the trailer below:
