IR Film Review: X [A24]
The notion of anticipation and perception is an interesting beast. What Writer/Director Ti West does with his new film "X" is both reflexive but oddly surrealist in its eventual comeuppance. While people could look at it as a straightforward horror story with some plot holes in terms of motivation, the actual duality playing (which can be seen when the film is over and even though the end credits) paints a deeper picture of sexual politics, sociopathic tendencies, the notion of aging, desire and beyond, within a gory wrapper of sorts. Initially as it plays, one thinks of the motivation for Mia Goth in terms of wanting the role. She like her "Emma" co-star Anna Taylor Joy she recognizes the power of subversion in character. Initially the inset paints it as superficial but this of course is a ruse. "X" is one where she is able to let it shine but also look at a longer game plus play against expectation.
The title itself "X" is supposed to be titilating because of what the film seemingly follows but the whole point with it is that notion of reversal of expectation bordering between grossing the audience out but also understanding that it is social commentary is its strength. Certain scenes really work. A scene on the lake towards the beginning builds dread in a different way that is almost still life. It also helps to have established charracter actors that are not household names playing against type while still conforming to certain stereotypes whether it is Martin Henderson as a strip club owner or Brittany Snow and especially Kid Cudi as actors per se getting the idea of what is happening and who they are. A specific scene involving Cudi and Snow doing a song and the interrelated cutting is quite cool, old school and yet ingenious. The beauty of Pearl as a character (don't want to reveal anything more) and what she actually represents and how it plays out in certain scenes, especially one in a bed really opens up the idea of expectation and denial.
The movie moves towards a certain direction of course but it also spreads its wings. At one point the music shifts in one dark scene into a dance and while it might seem melodramatic, it begins to fit the more it plays. Goth saunters around the abandoned house with only overalls on most of the movie but it almost reflects in a Dirk Diggler ego trip and yet that is the parallel in a way with Pearl from a different perspective. Maxine (Goth) sees herself as a big bright shining star meant for bigger things with a worldliness, innocence, darkness and a penchant for cocaine as well. A well placed plot egg towards the end even more solidifies this. Granted certain thoughts might be trapped in these people's mind, Even the supposed freedom of the 70s is interestingly textured especially in casting Jenna Ortega and Owen Campbell ("The Americans") as a boyfriend/girlfriend shooting said film and the awakening/repression that happens. There is also a great tease at the end that speaks to an even bigger parallel of duality that might be right around the corner if it is not a ruse. But it is a great idea. B+
By Tim Wassberg
