X (2022) Dir: Ti West
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In preparation for the release of one of this year's most anticipated films; 'MaXXXine', I decided to watch the two Ti West didected A24 films that have preceded it. One, this first one, I had already seen, but I saw no harm in revisiting it. After all, I enjoyed it plenty enough the first time.
The film is, stylistically, a love letter to 70's horror. It mixes in classic and modern cinema techniques, like different aspect ratios and filters, to create a very satisfying and fairly unique visual experience. The lighting was another feature that I enjoyed, particularly in how red was utilised.
Anyone who reads my reviews will by now know that one way to my heart is through the use of good physical effects, and this film is full of them. Be it the realistic seeming blood guts and gore or the wonderfully over-the-top prosthetics, it all looks great.
I can recall, the first time I watched this film, I didn't appreciate the story so much. This time around, I enjoyed it a whole lot more. It did well to create different plots for each character, giving them all purpose and life. Like last time, I liked that the story even did a good job of making its antagonists somewhat sympathetic.
This time around, I definitely enjoyed the climax of the film a fair bit more, although, I can also see why I found it a little bit anticlimactic before. Furthermore, I still believe that the first and last scenes of the film felt slightly disconnected, however, I don't think they were as unnecessary as I thought previously.
Mia Goth was a star in this one. She really owned the screen everytime she appeared on it. She had charisma oozing from her pores, and was utterly unforgettable. She truly excelled; from her accent, to her delivery, and even her body language. All this applies to both her roles, which is testament to her ability and execution.
Jenna Ortega was the other standout from the cast, particularly for her performance in the second half of the film. She showed a good amount of the versatility that has brought her so much acclaim. I liked how she showed the development of her character, as well as how she acted her climactic scenes towards the end of the film.
I thought Brittany Snow did well pretty well with her supporting role, as did Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) - both had some pretty entertaining moments in the first half of the film. Its worth saying, I also enjoyed the performances of the other three main supporting roles; Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell and Stephen Ure.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this a good deal more than the first time I saw it. It felt a lot more original than I remembered it being, and I loved its quirky traits, which feel very A24 in nature. I still think that the film feels, in many respects, like a more sexual 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre', but I also think the film has plenty of substance to more than justify itself as a unique piece of cinema.
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