X: A Slasher That Masterfully Blends Nostalgia and Terror

The opening shot of X lingers on a Texas farmhouse, its windows dark, its walls creaking under the weight of secrets. This isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, a relic of a bygone era that Ti West uses to explore generational conflict and the terror of aging. Shot in New Zealand but steeped in 1970s Texas, X is a slasher that wears its influences on its sleeve—think Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets The Last House on the Left, with a dash of grindhouse exploitation.

West, known for his work on The House of the Devil and The Sacrament, brings his signature slow-burn tension to X. The film’s production design is a triumph, from the sun-bleached guesthouse to Pearl’s (Mia Goth) claustrophobic farmhouse, each frame dripping with period detail. The use of natural light and earthy tones creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and unsettling. Tyler Bates and Chelsea Wolfe’s score amplifies the tension, a haunting blend of synths and folk that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The sound design is particularly noteworthy—every creak of the floorboards, every distant whisper, pulls you deeper into the nightmare.

Goth’s dual performance as Maxine and Pearl is the film’s standout. As Maxine, she exudes a raw, untamed energy, her curiosity and ambition palpable. There’s a scene where Maxine swims nude in a nearby lake, her youthful vitality contrasting sharply with the decay around her. Goth’s physicality in this role is remarkable, capturing both the vulnerability and the defiance of her character. But it’s as Pearl where Goth truly shines. The prosthetic makeup is extensive, transforming her into a grotesque yet pitiful figure, but it’s her voice—the raspy, desperate plea for youth and beauty—that lingers long after the credits roll. Goth’s ability to switch between these two vastly different characters is a testament to her range and talent.

Jenna Ortega as Lorraine delivers a nuanced performance, her character’s timidity evolving into a quiet strength. There’s a moment when Lorraine participates in the shoot, upsetting RJ (Owen Campbell), where Ortega’s subtle expressions convey a mix of fear and determination. Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne and Kid Cudi as Jackson provide solid support, though their roles are more archetypal than groundbreaking. Snow’s portrayal of Bobby-Lynne, with her burlesque dancer background, adds a layer of complexity to the character, while Cudi’s Jackson brings a rugged charm that contrasts with the film’s more sinister elements.

The film’s exploration of themes like repression, regret, and envy is particularly compelling. The generational shift that’s affecting the U.S. in this time period is a huge component of X. Maxine’s youthful ambition clashes with Pearl’s desperate clinging to her fading beauty, creating a dynamic that goes beyond mere horror. This thematic depth sets X apart from other slashers, making it more than just a gorefest.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, almost languid, as West builds atmosphere and tension. But once the killing begins, the momentum stutters. Some set pieces feel rushed, lacking the build-up that made the early scenes so effective. For instance, the sequence where RJ attempts to drive away and strand the group at the farm could have benefited from more tension-building.

The film’s final act is a blood-soaked spectacle, with Pearl’s descent into madness reaching a fever pitch. The climactic sequence in the barn—with its visceral violence and gothic imagery—is a standout, a brutal reminder of West’s ability to shock. However, the resolution feels somewhat anticlimactic, a missed opportunity to tie together the film’s thematic threads in a more satisfying way.

In comparison to other recent slashers like The Killer (Fincher) or Maestro, X holds its own with its strong performances and impeccable craftsmanship. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of its inspirations, but it carves out its own niche with style and substance.

X is a film that will appeal to horror aficionados who appreciate a slower burn and thematic depth. It’s not for those looking for jump scares or fast-paced action. Instead, it’s a meditation on aging, desire, and the inevitable passage of time, wrapped in a slasher package. The film’s blend of 1970s nostalgia, gripping themes, and unforgettable scares makes it a modern horror masterpiece.

In the end, X is a solid entry in the slasher genre, elevated by strong performances and impeccable craftsmanship. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of its inspirations, but it carves out its own niche with style and substance.