With only the rarest of exceptions, sequels are an unwise venture and hardly ever work. Prequels are even harder to pull off, as an origin story can ruin a character’s mystique. To have the third film in a series be the best is almost unheard of. Writer-director Ti West has pulled it off with this year’s MaXXXine, a fantastic 80s-set genre picture that ends his trilogy (that began with 2022’s X and continued with the same year’s Pearl) with a blood-soaked and entertaining bang.

This is a direct sequel to X and follows the further exploits of Maxine Miller (Mia Goth) and her quest for stardom. In the first film, Maxine had a cocaine problem and a fierce drive to become a big star “like Lynda Carter.” For this final entry, the character (now Maxine Minx) is still fueled by cocaine and her unstoppable resolve.

Now living and working in 1985 Hollywood, 33 is just around the corner and Maxine has made a name for herself in the porn world. Not the kind of stardom she wanted, Maxine wants to go mainstream and knows she has the skills to do so. Her agent and entertainment lawyer, Teddy Night Esq. (Giancarlo Esposito), gets her an audition for a big role in an upcoming horror sequel directed by no-bullshit filmmaker Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki). Maxine wins the role and Bender fights for her star after the producers balk at having a porn actress in their movie.

At the same time Maxine’s life is closer to an upswing, a killer is stalking the streets of Los Angeles; specifically targeting Maxine’s friends.

West’s design of the slasher (and a couple of the creative kill scenes) gives MaXXXine a nice splash of Giallo flavor while the black leather trench coat, fedora, and gloves allow the foley artists have fun with their sound design. There is also a private detective (Kevin Bacon, having a blast) who is following/stalking Maxine and is in possession of video that implicates her in the massacre on Pearl’s farm back in 1979. Adding to her stress, two detectives (Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale) want Maxine’s help and need to understand why she is close to the murders.

All of this is set to the backdrop of the real-life Night Stalker case that terrorized the city of Los Angeles and started the country’s Satanic Panic; a wave of fear that lasted through the 1980s.

The director of Maxine’s ticket out of porn calls it a “B movie with A ideas.” The same compliment can be given to West’s film.

80s L.A. is beautifully rendered. As they did so well in Pearl, West and cinematographer Eliot Rockett set a perfect visual tone that gives the film undeniable character. The manner in which they shoot L.A. (setting the nights to dark reds and neon lights) gives it the perfect look and feel of a Cannon Films or Avco Embassy release from that genre-friendly era.

Tyler Bates adds to the vibe with his perfect retro score. His compositions are a mix of pulsating synthesizers, heavy guitars, and dramatic orchestrations that fuel the pulse of the film.

Mia Goth continues her rise as one of today’s best and most adventurous artists. As Maxine, the actress balances determination with a fierce “don’t fuck with me” attitude. Goth uses Maxine’s confidence to convince the audience she can move through the sleazy Los Angeles night without incident, save for one would-be attacker who will come to instantly regret his actions. Her performance in Pearl should have brought her an Oscar nomination and Goth does equally fine work here.

West and his lead actress/muse wrote the screenplay for 2022’s Pearl in just two weeks during the Covid lockdown while shooting X in New Zealand. The first two entries were clever throwbacks to many film styles, but director West infused both with good characterizations and gave Mia Goth the best roles of her career. Director and star (two of the most original voices of their generation) work hard to make this trilogy something special and they have succeeded with all three.

MaXXXine has a unique style that embraces its cinematic references while molding its own narrative. So return with me to the thrilling days of the “Video Nasties”. Grab some popcorn and push play on the VHS player.

Ti West has crafted a down and dirty retro exploitation flick with style and substance. Embrace the vibe and enjoy the show. And remember the one cardinal rule for watching this type of movie; be kind, rewind.

MaXXXine

Written & Directed by Ti West

Starring Mia Goth, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Prast

R, 104 Minutes, A24, Motel Mojave, Access Entertainment