Mumblegore auteur Ti West has returned to his roots, folks. Texas, 1979. A small group, cast & crew, quietly set out to make a pornographic film at a rural farmhouse they’ve rented. However…the situation flips from hot, to heavy when their host’s discover the obscenity happening under their noses. While X does bend, for the most part it leans into traditional horror conventions. It’s steady-handed chaos, a sharp but nuanced script, and the unbelievable talent of it’s cast that sets the film apart from other slashers. I can’t think of a weak link in terms of casting. There are certainly heavy nods towards with like TCM (location, setup, some shots/framing), but they fade into an obvious respect & understanding of 70s exploitation film as a whole. An era and genre that Mia Goth thrives in.
X screened as part of SXSW Film Festival 2022.
