X (2022) Dir: Ti West
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One of the most recent ventures from acclaimed independent film company; A24, this Ti West directed horror movie is not one to stick on with the family. Gore, sex, drugs and an abundance of violence are plastered all over this film.
The story screams 70s horror, with comparisons clear to the likes of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' undeniable. In that comment lies my only real issue with this; it didn't have a unique story. The execution was great, but I wouldn't say anything was overly distinctive.
On a more positive note, there were some surprisingly heartfelt moments, in which you almost sympathise with the antagonists - which is something I particularly appreciated. The film's climax is at risk of being anticlimactic, but I think it just about gets away with it.
The very first and last scenes of the film are oddly disconnected from the rest, and feel a little unnecessary. The payoff for these being a small laugh at the final line, which doesn't feel all that worth it.
The soundtrack is superb, I particularly liked the use of 'Don't Fear The Reaper' by 'Blue Oyster Cult' - the scene they use it in works so well, in my opinion.
Visually, this film was strongly executed, a hallmark of A24 films. Throughout the film, there are some truly wonderful shots, as well as subtle uses of colour to inflict more impact on the audience.
Mia Goth does double duty here, playingtwo different characters in the film. She does this so way that I genuinely had no clue for much if the film.
Her performance as the protagonist is easily the better of the two, as she is able to show far more variety in her ability and personality. Although, she still manages to portray plenty of emotion with her other character too.
Jenna Ortega has one of the key supporting roles, and while, a bit like her character, she feels a little in the background at times, she shows some real talent in the second act and beyond.
A man used to prosthetics; Stephen Ure is covered in them for his role as a creepy old man. His performance had some really strong moments I felt, particularly in the last 20 minutes.
Finally, I'll mention Owen Campbell, Brittany Snow, Martin Henderson and Kid Cudi, who all gave decent enough performances in their supporting roles, particularly Cudi.
Overall, my main thought after watching this was that it felt like an X-rated version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. However, that is not to say that I didn't enjoy it, because I really did. At just 106 minutes, it won't take too long to get through either, so it is ideal for a horror movie evening with your friends.
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