Film Review: Maxxxine (2024)
“I didn’t come this far to fail now.” – The Premise
The third chapter in Ti West’s X trilogy, Maxxine, is a neon-soaked dive into the seedy underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles. Picking up after the bloodbath of X and Pearl, this installment follows Maxine Minx, a survivor who has clawed her way through blood-soaked chaos, now aiming to conquer Hollywood’s adult film industry. Maxine’s pursuit of fame leaves a trail of broken dreams and bodies, with each step pushing her further into the murky depths of ambition and desperation.
What sets Maxxine apart from its predecessors is its unapologetic embrace of the excess and decay of the era, expertly blending the glitz of 1980s Hollywood with a character study of its titular antihero. As Maxine moves closer to the star she is determined to become, she is forced to reckon with the brutal reality of what it takes to reach the top.
The film opens with Maxine’s escape from Texas behind her, but her past still looms large, casting a long shadow over her journey. Determined to succeed in a world that preys on ambition, Maxine enters the adult film industry with dreams of stardom, hoping to reinvent herself and shake the weight of the past. However, her path to success is riddled with danger, driven by both her own self-destructive tendencies and the sinister forces lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce.
Ti West masterfully weaves a narrative that feels both intimate and epic, using Maxine’s personal struggles as a lens to explore broader societal themes like exploitation, ambition, and the sacrifices one makes for fame. While this film is more grounded in its portrayal of Maxine’s battle with Hollywood, it still manages to hit all the notes of a thrilling and brutal story.
“In a city of stars, some shine brighter than others.” – The Execution
Mia Goth once again proves why she is one of the most compelling actors working today. Her portrayal of Maxine is a tour de force, balancing vulnerability and ferocity in a way that makes her both captivating and unsettling. Goth imbues Maxine with a raw desperation that feels all too real, making her triumphs exhilarating and her failures devastating. Maxine is both a victim of her circumstances and a force to be reckoned with, and Goth plays this tension perfectly. Her portrayal of the character is so layered that you can’t help but root for Maxine even as she descends into morally questionable territory.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with standouts including Daniel Lench as a sleazy producer who sees Maxine as his ticket to the big leagues. Their interactions are fraught with tension, as he pulls her deeper into a web of manipulation and promises that may not be what they seem. Meanwhile, Lily Collins shines as a rival actress whose jealousy ignites a deadly rivalry, driving the plot toward unexpected twists. The dynamic between Maxine and these characters adds layers of complexity to the story, showing just how dangerous the cutthroat industry can be. Each of these players in Maxine’s world brings something important to the table, and their individual arcs, while not always explored in depth, help push Maxine further into her own self-destructive spiral.
West’s direction continues to be a standout feature, with a visual style that captures both the grit and glamour of 1980s Los Angeles. The city’s neon-lit streets become as much a character as the people inhabiting them, reflecting the duality of Maxine’s world—her desires shining brightly, yet casting shadows over the people and places she leaves behind. The contrast between the glitzy facade of Hollywood and the rotten core beneath it is brought to life through stunning cinematography, which almost feels like a character in itself. West’s ability to evoke the time period with such attention to detail immerses you in the era, and the film’s aesthetic adds a layer of dread to the lavish atmosphere, mirroring Maxine’s descent into a world that is just as hollow as it is enticing.
The soundtrack is equally immersive, featuring a mix of period-appropriate hits and an original score that perfectly complements the visual tone.
“Every dream has its price.” – The Horror Elements
While Maxxine is more grounded than its predecessors, it doesn’t skimp on the horror. The film’s violence is shocking and visceral, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind the adult film industry’s glitzy facade. West uses the horror elements not just for shock value but to underscore the story’s broader themes of ambition, exploitation, and survival. There’s a palpable tension throughout, as Maxine inches closer to her goal while risking everything to get there.
One of the film’s most chilling sequences involves Maxine confronting her own reflection in a hall of mirrors. The scene blurs the line between reality and nightmare, reflecting Maxine’s internal conflict and the price of her ambition. The haunting moment encapsulates the emotional core of the film, showcasing Maxine’s inner turmoil as she grapples with who she is becoming versus who she wants to be. It is a visual representation of the consequences of chasing fame without regard for the destruction it may cause along the way. These horror elements serve as an apt commentary on the dark side of ambition, adding a layer of psychological terror that lingers long after the credits roll.
“Fame is a double-edged sword.” – Final Thoughts
Maxxine is a fitting conclusion to the X trilogy, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of its central character’s journey. It is a film that lingers in the mind, not just for its shocking moments but for its rich character work and thematic depth. While some of the supporting characters could have been more fleshed out to create an even more impactful narrative, Maxxine still manages to provide a compelling and emotional ride. Mia Goth delivers a career-defining performance, cementing her status as one of the genre’s brightest stars, and her portrayal of Maxine will likely be remembered as one of the standout performances of the decade.
The film’s success lies in its balance of gripping storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a fan of the trilogy or coming in fresh, Maxxine is a film that demands attention and sticks with you long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the power of ambition, the cost of fame, and the darkness that can lurk beneath even the most glamorous of dreams.
Score: 8.5
Strengths:
Mia Goth’s phenomenal performance as Maxine, continuing to be a career-defining role.
A visually stunning and immersive depiction of 1980s Los Angeles, capturing the era’s glamour and grime.
A compelling narrative that balances character study with social commentary, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition.
A layered, complex look at fame and its cost.
Weaknesses:
Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, leaving their arcs less impactful than they could be, which can be a bit of a letdown in an otherwise rich story.