Review: X

Synopsis:

In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.

What We Thought:

Overall I enjoyed X. It’s definitely a throwback to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and movies of that era and I respect that it didn’t go in the direction I expected it to go. If you are a fan of the films of A24 then this will be right up your alley.

The biggest negative of the film is it’s a bit slow to get going. We are introduced to the characters, that they are all together to shoot a porno and that they are renting a cabin type place on a farm. The farmer and his wife don’t know they are there to make a porno, but they think they can get it done without the old timer finding out. I had seen the trailer and have seen Ti West’s previous films so I sat there waiting for the shoe to drop. It foreshadows some things to happen so you sit there waiting for the movie to take its hard left turn. That’s not too big of a negative because many films especially horror/thriller types are the same way.

The biggest positive of the film is, like I previously stated, it doesn’t go in the direction I expected. So much of today’s horror has a supernatural or paranormal twist to them that I thought the film would have something similar. It leans heavy on the farmer and especially his wife being odd that you expect them to have an M. Night Shyamalan reveal. It doesn’t, thankfully. I like that.

The film has a great soundtrack and style to it. Based in the late 1970s, it looks like a film from then. It’s edited extremely well which adds to its vibe and look. The music is fantastic and Brittany Snow even sings a great cover song. The costuming, set design and dialogue all add to its aesthetic.

A24 is known for releasing different types of movies. Sure they win Oscars now, but you can still find non-studio type movies coming out of A24. X is their latest. If you like throwback horror with quality kills that doesn’t overly rely on jumpscares then give it a try. If your type of horror is The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity then it’s not for you.

Directed by Ti West
Written by Ti West
Starring Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Scott Mescudi