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.