With X and Pearl, Ti West plunged into areas of horror that felt fresh. He had something unique to say in a genre that is too often stereotyped and lacking in daring. However, these films weren’t one-off. They were part of a larger trilogy that will be finalised with MaXXXine, which will come out at some point in 2024.

MaXXXine takes us to the early 1980s in Los Angeles, where Maxine, portrayed by Mia Goth, who also serves as a producer, is pursuing her dreams of becoming a celebrated actress. However, her aspirations are overshadowed by her harrowing past and the unnerving experiences she has survived. The plot picks up after the events of “X,” where Maxine is the sole survivor of a gruesome ordeal involving a murderous elderly couple. Now in the 80s, Maxine attempts to navigate her life in Hollywood, hinting at an intriguing and possibly tumultuous journey.

The cast for this film is heavier than in the other films, with Elizabeth Debicki as a film director, Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale as LAPD detectives, Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito as an agent in the adult film industry, and Kevin Bacon as a private investigator. 

Ti West, known for his distinct style in horror cinema, helms the film as both writer and director. The buzz around MaXXXine was amplified with the release of a teaser trailer following the premiere of Pearl at the Toronto International Film Festival. Adding to the excitement, a first-look image featuring Mia Goth and Halsey in their respective roles was released. It showcased Goth’s dramatic transformation from a “Little House on the Prairie-esque look” in Pearl to a more contemporary and edgy appearance.

Though the release date of MaXXXine remains unannounced, the film is being produced and will be distributed by A24. Anticipation for the film is high, and it’ll be interesting to see how West wraps up the horror saga and what intriguing elements he’ll draw from the seedy 1980s LA setting. 

Release Date: Unknown

Will It Be Good?

If you’d asked me before X if I was excited about Ti West’s upcoming horror trilogy, I would have replied, “Not really.” but after it and Pearl, I can safely say I’m strapped in for this ride. X was a good film, but Pearl really stood out to me. Its setting, charm and unique approach really made it a standout of 2022, so it’s really not hard to get excited fro MaXXXine.

Of course, West isn’t a mega-director who you can really anticipate, and the extra hype and support for the film could be overwhelming for him, but he isn’t an amateur or anything as he’s had success in the past with The House of the Devil. He’s had success in the past. Even if this film fails to hit the high watermark of Pearl, it’ll still be interesting. 

Will It Be Worth Watching? Yes