Hollywood Horror Trilogy ‘MaXXXine’ Ends with a Whimper

Director Ti West’s horror trilogy reaches its conclusion with ‘MaXXXine’, a lackluster follow-up to ‘X’ and ‘Pearl‘, focusing on the journey of porn actress Maxine Minx portrayed by Mia Goth, in her quest for legitimacy in Hollywood’s harsh 1980s landscape.

‘MaXXXine’ delves into the seedy side of Hollywood, portraying Maxine’s struggle to break free from her pornographic past as she plunges into a world fraught with danger and deceit alongside director Elizabeth Bender portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki.

In a meandering monologue during a studio backlot drive, Bender questions Maxine’s ruthlessness, a central theme reflective of the cutthroat nature of the movie industry and its reluctance to embrace diverse talents.

The film explores the 1980s backdrop marred by censorship, the Night Stalker’s terror, and the societal challenges faced by women striving for success in a male-dominated industry.

With a stylistic nod to Brian De Palma and a VHS-inspired fuzziness, ‘MaXXXine’ exudes retro glamour tainted by underlying darkness, encapsulated by the character’s audacious performances and gritty aesthetics.

Maxine’s defiance and resilience shine through in daring sequences, where she takes control of her narrative, defying stereotypes and showcasing a bold, unapologetic persona.

As the narrative unfolds, detectives played by Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale intersect with Maxine’s path, embodying classic cop movie tropes while confronting her with the harsh reality of her circumstances.

Despite promising themes of empowerment and female agency, ‘MaXXXine’ stumbles in its resolution, failing to fully embrace Maxine’s ruthless persona and settling for a superficial conclusion.

While the film boasts strong performances by Kevin Bacon, Giancarlo Esposito, and Bobby Cannavale, Mia Goth’s portrayal of Maxine falls flat, leaving the trilogy’s closing chapter with a sense of missed potential and unfulfilled depth.