MaXXXine: A Star-Crossed Effort That Falls Short of Cinematic Brilliance

Director: Ti West
Writer: Ti West
Stars: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Kevin Bacon

A Bumpy Road to Stardom

In an era where Hollywood is seemingly obsessed with sequels and franchise expansions, it seems only fitting that Ti West has found himself at the helm of a burgeoning trilogy. With his previous films, X and Pearl, both having struck a significant chord with audiences, expectations were stratospheric for MaXXXine, the concluding chapter in this intriguing narrative arc. But what was once a promising premise swiftly unravels into a convoluted cinematic experience that feels like it was formed more out of obligation than inspiration.

Glimpse into the world of 1980s Hollywood.

Lightning in a Bottle: The Highs and Lows of Ti West’s Journey

To catch lightning in a bottle is a difficult feat in Hollywood; ask any filmmaker trying to replicate the success of a previous hit. For West, he managed to do it twice in a mere span of months. His creative resurgence began with X in early 2022, a film that astutely navigated the shaky waters of gender roles nestled in a horror framework, all while paying homage to the rawness of 1970s adult film culture. The surge of excitement around the film was palpable—it grossed a whopping $15 million against its modest $1 million budget, establishing West as a creative force to be reckoned with.

However, following-up with Pearl, a prequel shot clandestinely, the same double-edged sword of expectation pressed harder against him. While Pearl offered an engaging tale of a would-be star descending into madness, it also proved the point that sometimes, less is more.

The Premise of MaXXXine

MaXXXine is set against the glitzy backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, showcasing the comic and tragic journey of Maxine Minx, portrayed by the exhilarating Mia Goth. With roots in the adult film industry, Maxine’s relentless pursuit for recognition and success drives the narrative forward. The initial allure of West’s storytelling lies in its engaging epigraph:

“In this business, until you’re known as a monster, you’re not a star.”

This adage, serving as a beacon for Maxine, propels her to test the limits of her moral compass in her quest to achieve notoriety.

Maxine Minx’s relentless pursuit of fame.

A Missed Opportunity for Depth

Despite the compelling narrative thrust suggested by Maxine’s ambition, the execution falters as the film delves into shallow waters. The threads that would ordinarily tie a rich character arc together become frayed, and what unfolds is more of a display of artistic homage than a fully realized story.

In a particularly jarring sequence, the film attempts to portray Maxine’s inner turmoil and her clash with an unseen killer stalking the starlets of Hollywood. However, the horror elements feel more like spoofs than the immersive dread they should evoke. One finds oneself wishing for the biting commentary on fame and identity present in X and Pearl—moments that connected audiences with their characters—only to be left with a series of disjointed scenes that fail to coalesce into a coherent whole.

The Cinematic Experience

On a technical level, West’s work remains visually arresting, with vibrant cinematography reminiscent of the era. Still, aesthetics alone cannot save a film that lacks an emotional core. The presence of notable actors like Elizabeth Debicki and Kevin Bacon should come with the promise of memorable performances, yet they remain underutilized, existing only to bolster an already thin narrative.

A vibrant yet hollow cinematic experience.

Final Thoughts on MaXXXine

In conclusion, while MaXXXine might showcase the aspirations of a woman aiming for the stars, it ultimately serves as a reminder that not all stories find their narrative fulfillment. The film trails off into a vague and muddled finale, leaving viewers without a clear resolution or the nutrient-rich commentary on the human condition that characterized its predecessors.

With a disappointing grade of D+, it feels like a misstep in what could have been an iconic trilogy. Perhaps it’s time for West to reflect on the sweet spot between art and narrative, recalibrating his cinematic compass before setting sail again in uncharted waters.

Every film has its merits, and while MaXXXine showcases occasional glimpses of brilliance, it remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when ambition outpaces creativity.