[SXSW 2022] Spoiler Free ‘X’ Review: Ti West’s Love Letter to the Genre Has Porn, Gore and More

Director Ti West premiered his latest A24 horror film, X at this year’s SXSW Film Festival. The film stars Mia Goth (Suspiria), Jenna Ortega (Scream), Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect), Owen Campbell (Body Brokers), Martin Henderson (The Strangers: Prey at Night), and Scott Mescudi (Don’t Look Up).

X is set in 1979 rural Texas, and follows a group of young aspiring filmmakers who are attempting to break into the porn industry. However, when their nonexistent budget requires the use of a boarding house, they’ll find out that not everyone is in to letting their freak flag fly. This is not merely a scary movie, but a film that has a lot to say about youth, sex and the way we see life when we are young.

However, X is a true love letter to the horror genre. The Texas backdrop and rural setting will remind you of a certain chainsaw massacre. But you’ll also find many nods and homages to numerous other genre filmmakers. There were scenes that took me back to Psycho, Evil Dead, and even shots that gave me hints of Midsommar. Director Ti West made a name for himself in the horror genre since his 2009 film The House of the Devil. Although, I feel that this is the film that he will forever be known for once it hits theaters.

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While most of these references are purely done in setting and not story, viewers can follow along with the new group with ease. We are instantly transported back to the age before home video, when big hair was in and Americana was all the rage. I recommend going into this film as blind as possible, so bare with me as I try to review this film without spoiling anything.

The film gives you the best of the genre, from brutal kills, and buckets of blood to the very horny filmmakers. Viewers will go through a whole range of emotions throughout this film. It’s almost obvious that West wants us to be uncomfortable at certain points.

He uses different filmmaking techniques to keep us off key throughout. The pacing won’t keep you on tempo, instead it will wind you up, get you horny and then throw you hurdling to the finale. The gore and comedy will having you laughing one second and jumping the next. There truly is something for every horror fan in this film, even somethings that you wouldn’t expect.

Goth as Maxine, a woman trying to find her place in the world as a sex symbol, is magical. She knows what she wants out of life and how to get it, by any means necessary. Her intense sex scenes during the porn shoot to the fight for her life throughout the rest is something to behold. The chemistry between the cast is what really sells the story. Everyone is acting their collective asses off, from their x-rated scenes to all the horrors that follow. Snow and Ortega are also high points of this film, showcasing their comedic and scream queen qualities.

The bloody effects, comedic moments and the overall theme of the death of youth, make this a movie that will be talked about for years. This film is will make you laugh, cringe, gasp and more. Which is why, I suggest you try to enjoy this with a group of people if possible. So head to the theaters with your horror friends or drag that one friend who is willing to go, but experience this film with others. X is a film that will give you everything you expect and so much more. 4.5/5

X starring Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Scott Mescudi and more opens in theaters everywhere this Friday, March 18th, 2022. Check out the trailer below and stayed tuned to ScaryNerd for all things, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and more.

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