Mia Goth returns to the screen in MaXXXine, the final installment of Ti West’s chilling horror trilogy, which includes the critically acclaimed films X and Pearl. Following the already gripping narratives of the previous films, MaXXXine centers on Goth's character Maxine Minx, whose aspirations to break from adult films and establish herself as a mainstream star take an ominous turn as she faces a life-threatening serial killer targeting her friends and peers.
Debuting on July 2023, MaXXXine picks up the story from the earlier installments, taking place during the glamorous yet treacherous 1980s Hollywood scene. Goth elaborates on her character, stating, “She’s in a totally different place in her life,” reflecting how Maxine's evolution mirrors the shifting landscapes of fame and horror within the industry. The film explores deep themes of ambition and survival as it navigates the life of Maxine, portrayed as both aspirational and deeply flawed.
A stellar cast joins Goth, with notable performances from Halsey, Moses Sumney, and Lily Collins, each adding layers to this complex narrative. Considering her transition to mainstream cinema, Maxine’s character grapples with the consequences of her past—both personal and professional—as paranoia and danger stalk her like shadows throughout the film.
The trilogy has gathered momentum since the release of X and its subsequent prequel, Pearl. Premiering first in March 2022, X captivated audiences with its unique blend of slasher horror and human drama, followed by the brilliant psychological exploration found within Pearl, which came three months later. Contextually rich, each film uses distinct settings to amplify its narrative, allowing the characters' backstories to inform their present circumstances.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with Pearl maintaining an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its unsettling ambience and Goth's powerful performance. Christina Newland from iNews remarked on the film's disturbing charm, indicating the surprising impact it maintains as it straddles the line between horror and drama.
Goth's performances have not gone unnoticed beyond the X trilogy. Her portrayal of the complex, tortured character Pearl has garnered attention from esteemed filmmakers, including Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro. Recalling her first conversation with him, Goth shares, “He called me and said, ‘Hi. I saw Pearl, and I really loved your performance in it. Would you like to meet?’ I almost died.” This unexpected recognition speaks volumes about her transformative performance and the industry’s growing appreciation for nuanced horror roles.
Goth views the costume department's role establishing characters as pivotal to her performance, stating, “That’s where I meet my character for the first time.” Such sentiments underline her commitment to fully inhabit the characters she portrays, bringing authenticity to every scene. By merging the elements of her characters with elaborate costumes, Goth forges deep connections to the horror tropes and human experiences portrayed on screen.
Throughout her career, Goth has always been fascinated by horror films with performances at their core, contrasting her preferences from the traditional view of the genre. “I do like horror movies where the performances are central to the film,” she has noted, highlighting just how significant the performance aspect is to her role selection and interpretation.
Landing the role of Maxine Minx has allowed Goth to reflect on her evolution as both an actress and individual. This transformation is not only thrilling but personally impactful, navigable even for her young daughter, with whom she now shares Halloween festivities. “My daughter loves spooky movies, she’s like, ‘Mommy—I want something really spooky,’” Goth shared, portraying her burgeoning appreciation for the genre as it connects her to her family.
The tantalizing blend of glamour, danger, and pure horror is what sets MaXXXine apart as it draws the trilogy to its conclusive finish. The series has managed to make audiences not only revisit their horror roots but appreciate the dramatic depths of storytelling within this unique framework of cinema.
With the accolades and recognition amassed from her performances, Mia Goth stands as one of the modern icons within the horror genre, her evolution tying seamlessly with the narratives she has helped weave throughout Ti West’s trilogy. The impact of MaXXXine is bound to resonate within the horror community, leaving audiences anticipating what tales may come next from this rapidly rising star.