X (2022): More Than Just Grindhouse Gore

Alright folks, just got back from X and I need to unpack this one. On the surface, it's a pretty straightforward slasher: young, attractive people making a porno in the middle of nowhere get picked off one by one by sexually repressed elderly killers. But there's way more going on here than just boobs and blood (though, let's be honest, there's plenty of both). What really impressed me was the film's engagement with themes of aging, desire, and the pursuit of youth. Pearl (Mia Goth) is deeply unsettling – her longing for the 'glory days' and her jealousy of Maxine (also Goth, proving her range) are palpable. The scene where Pearl is watching the young people film their movie and, well, gets 'excited', is both disturbing and strangely sympathetic. I was definitely squirming in my seat! The juxtaposition of the young, vibrant bodies with Pearl's decaying one is incredibly effective and highlights the film's broader commentary on mortality. I also appreciated the 70s grindhouse aesthetic. The film is beautifully shot, with a gritty, almost documentary-like feel that adds to the sense of unease. The performances are solid across the board, special shout out to Brittany Snow, whose character, Bobby-Lynne, actually has some depth despite being mostly there for the, ahem, 'adult' scenes. It's not perfect, the pacing lags a little in the middle act and some of the kills are a tad predictable. Overall though, X is a surprisingly intelligent and thought-provoking horror film that transcends its genre conventions. If you're looking for a slasher that's more than just cheap thrills, I'd recommend giving this one a watch. I'm definitely interested in seeing what Ti West does next in this universe. Anyone else catch any interesting subtext I missed?