I have loved horror films for so long. Nothing is ever as good as the classics from a time gone by (I was going to say the seventies, but really every decade has something to offer; until the mid 90s. But can we ever get back to movies like the ones we miss? It feels like A24 is getting close and that makes them one of the best film studios in the world. They have put out some amazing content over the last ten years. Maxxxine Is the final installment of this trilogy that we’ve been waiting for!
Maxxxine is the story of a girl that wants to move on from her porn career and into legitimate films. With previous films like X and Pearl, this final film feels like something that is rounding out a generational story and that’s a good thing. It’s not uncommon for adult film stars to want to move into legitimate films. Some have been successful like Traci Lords, but it’s not an easy road much like the story in this film.
Mia Goth absolutely commands the screen. Not only does she have the acting chops to play multiple characters, but she also has the talent to carry an entire trilogy. She has a presence that doesn’t let you look away, which is something we find in high demand, but low supply, these days. While
The direction is nothing new or innovative, but that lends to the feel of the movie. Neither is the cinematography, but it feels like something from the seventies but with a modern polish. That is one of the best parts of the film. I found it to be better than Pearl and a step above X while still maintaining the same style of filmmaking from Tia West.
The story is good and well told. While it isn’t a brand-new concept, it is something with a newer feel that isn’t overdone. And it keeps your attention, which is saying a lot these days. The aesthetic and palette of the film aren’t new or innovative, but they definitely fit the story and time. The style, the feel all are reminiscent of the late seventies, early eighties and help you feel immersed in the time and place.
Overall, I loved the movie and thought it was a great finish to the trilogy. It’s definitely worth watching in the theater, even if you have to pay full price for the ticket. It will feel like the old days for most of us and offer a new experience for the younger of us. But, you want to heighten the experience with the movies that came before and make a day of it!
