'X' Review: A24's Throwback Slasher Bleeds Style and Creativity
Ti West’s new 70’s-inspired slasher is an impressively directed, suitably gory, and surprisingly flashy return to the golden age of horror.
There are few films of the modern era that feel as authentically retro as Ti West’s latest horror flick X. Whether that’s the distinct visuals, crisp sound design, overly enthusiastic performances, or the waves of blood and guts, almost every aspect of X feels as though it’s been pulled directly from the 1970s. It owes a lot to films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Friday the 13th, but it never feels as though its copying or replicating those classics. Instead, it develops a thrilling story of its own with interesting characters, thrilling kills, and haunting tension that builds up from the very first frame. There may be a few stilts in the pacing and story development, but the film manages to mostly overcome these by focusing on its refreshing characters and offering surprising twists at every turn.
The film centers around a group of actors, led by director Wayne (Martin Henderson), who set out to make an adult film in rural Texas on the lot of an unknowing old couple’s farm. Things quickly start to escalate, however, when the farmer’s wife begins to develop an uncomfortable affection for one of the actors, Maxine (Mia Goth). Like plenty of successful slashers over the decades, the film draws a lot of its tension and intrigue from the premise of danger to come; the first hour of the film is almost unbearably foreboding, dropping subtle hints of what to expect in the film’s explosive final act. And by the time that conclusion rolls around, you’ll be completely on board with the bold and thrilling direction that director Ti West takes this story, remaining completely unpredictable and engaging until the credits roll.
What’s most refreshing about X is that it makes no attempts to be anything other than what it is - a short, blood-fuelled slasher from start to finish. There’s no self-referential comedy, no critical social commentary, and no endeavors to censor its adult narrative. The film knows exactly what it is, and it completely embraces this in every scene. Old-school horror fans are sure to love this aspect of the film, and even casual audiences will be able to appreciate just how original and inventive the film’s fierce narrative really is. Everything from the creative framing to the cheesy dialogue will transport you right back to the golden age of horror, sitting the audience down for 90 uninterrupted minutes of fear, apprehension, and excitement that just can’t be replicated in any other genre. Other than these technical achievements, X’s second biggest strength is its talent in front of the camera. Every single one of the actors brings something different to the table, allowing each character to shine individually and take the story in a new and unexpected direction. Mia Goth is definitely the highlight in the lead role, but supporting actresses Jenna Ortega and Brittany Snow also steal the show in multiple intense scenes.
But ironically, X’s biggest strength is also its most notable weakness. With its refreshingly simple and self-aware narrative come a few moments of repetitive and dragged-out exposition, as the film attempts to pass the time until the big finale. It’s just over 90 minutes long, but somehow it still feels as though there are several scenes that cut have been cut without doing too much harm to the plot. The actors are talented and charismatic enough to make these scenes entertaining regardless, but spending so much time in a horror film without spilling even a single drop of blood might kill the pacing for some viewers.
Still, there’s no denying that X makes for a pretty fun time at the movies, despite its flaws. It’s filled to the brim with rewarding scares, thrilling horror sequences, and personal drama that really brings these characters to life in a way that’s so important in getting the audience on board. Ti West is clearly a very talented director, and his keen eye for the slasher genre shines through in his effective navigation of the horror sequences. The jumpscares aren’t predictable, the chase scenes are genuinely exciting, and even quiet moments in hallways are turned into haunting seconds of silence. So whether you’re a fan of the classic slashers, or just looking to kill 90 minutes and raise your heart rate a little, X will exceed your expectations with its playful, retro thrill-ride.