Pearl, the prequel to Ti West's 2022 film X, is more than a typical horror movie; it examines the theme of inherent madness through vivid Technicolor visuals inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Set in 1918 Texas, it follows young Pearl before she became a killer. Mia Goth, who co-wrote and produced the film, delivers a standout performance that centers the film on Pearl's unstable nature. The six-minute close-up near the end leaves a lasting impression and defines the film's bold argument.

It’s impossible to talk about “X” without mentioning its strong tribute to 1970s American New Cinema. The opening scene shows a van of young people driving down a country road, with grainy sunlight, dry landscapes, and a constant sense of unease. It feels so much like Tobe Hooper’s classic that it almost recreates it perfectly. Horror fans will recognize and appreciate this familiar visual style. But this film is more than just a tribute. It also acts as a counter-narrative, taking a different approach from classic horror. For example, in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, Jack Nicholson smashes a door with an axe. In “X,” the trapped woman changes the usual […]