A24’s latest horror entry, MaXXXine, the concluding chapter of Ti West’s X trilogy, was poised to deliver an edgy, neon-drenched thrill ride. Unfortunately, despite high expectations, the film stumbles into mediocrity, bogged down by a meandering plot and a lack of emotional depth. It tries to blend slasher tropes with satire on the rise of celebrity culture, but what we get feels more like a pastiche of 80s excess with little substance behind it. [category News, Movie news] [tags Mia goth, MaXXXine, Ti West, X,
The central storyline—following Maxine’s journey to stardom amidst a string of murders in 1980s Los Angeles—never quite clicks. The pacing is erratic, with long stretches of indulgent dialogue that neither build tension nor advance the plot meaningfully. It feels as though the film is more interested in aesthetic than narrative, relying heavily on nostalgic set pieces and flashy cinematography to mask the thin storyline. Unfortunately, the kills, which should be the highlight of any slasher, lack creativity and impact, making it all feel more like a laborious exercise in style over substance.
Yet, even in the midst of a flawed film, Mia Goth once again proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her portrayal of Maxine is electric, breathing life into an otherwise dull and confused narrative. Goth masterfully balances Maxine’s desperation and ambition, giving the character more complexity than the script seems to allow. She captures the hollow seductiveness of fame with unsettling precision, making Maxine feel both relatable and terrifying in her unwavering pursuit of stardom.
Goth’s presence is magnetic—whether she’s delivering a chilling monologue or conveying a thousand emotions with just a glance. It’s a shame that the film around her doesn’t rise to meet the same standard. She shines in a movie that seems unsure of its identity, as if it’s too scared to fully commit to the outrageousness it teases. If MaXXXine achieves anything, it’s cementing Mia Goth as one of the most compelling actors working in horror today. Her performance is the one thing that keeps the film from being entirely forgettable.
In the end, MaXXXine tries too hard to capture lightning in a bottle, but it ultimately fizzles. Despite a promising concept and a star who gives everything she has, the film falls short. Still, Mia Goth’s commanding performance is worth watching—though you might leave the theater wondering if she deserved a better script to match her talent.
