X

X is a 2022 American slasher film directed by Ti West and written by West and Keitaln Easterling. The film is a tribute to the horror classics of the 1970s and pays homage to the likes of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Last House on the Left. Set in 1979, the movie follows a group of young filmmakers as they attempt to make a low-budget adult film in the rural countryside of Texas. The film opens on a shot of a dilapidated farmhouse, which serves as the primary location for the story. The camera pans across the exterior of the property before cutting to the interior, where a group of young filmmakers, led by Jack (Melig Charles) and Samantha (Brittany Snow), are busy setting up for the shoot. The filmmakers are a ragtag group of wannabe artists, each with their own reasons for being there. Among them is a pair of aspiring actresses, Mama (Tammy Blanchard) and Lorraine (Mia Goth), a photographer named Max (Owen Fielding), and a sound engineer named Watson (Brandon Cranston). The group's plan is to make an adult film on a shoe-string budget, using the resources provided by the local farmhouse owners, Harlon (Jerry Hickson) and Pearl (Juliette Lewis). The elderly couple seems reclusive and somewhat eccentric, but they are willing to let the group use their property in exchange for a cut of the profits. However, things take a turn for the worse when the group is caught by Harlon and Pearl. The elderly couple has a dark past and is revealed to be more sinister than they initially seem. The filmmakers soon find themselves fighting for their lives as Harlon and Pearl reveal their true intentions. As the night wears on, the group is killed off one by one, each death more gruesome and unexpected than the last. The film builds up to a suspenseful and intense climax, where the remaining survivors are forced to fight back against their ruthless hosts. One of the standout elements of X is its impressive attention to period detail. The film is shot in a deliberate, slow-burning style, which pays homage to the horror films of the 1970s. The camera work is raw and unflinching, and the sound design is often unsettling and unnerving. The special effects are also surprisingly effective, given the relatively low budget. The film's cast delivers impressive performances, particularly from Juliette Lewis and Mia Goth. Both actresses bring a sense of vulnerability and desperation to their characters, which makes their ultimate fates all the more tragic. The chemistry between the leads is also convincing, making it easy to become invested in the characters' struggles. X is a throwback to the horror classics of the 1970s, but it also boasts a sense of originality and freshness that sets it apart from its influences. The film's slow-burning pace and deliberate build-up create a sense of tension and anticipation that makes the eventual climax all the more shocking and intense. Overall, X is a must-see for fans of horror, particularly those who appreciate the classic slasher films of the 1970s. One of the key elements that separates X from other horror films is its thoughtful and nuanced approach to character development. Unlike many horror movies, which rely on shallow, one-dimensional characters, the cast of X is complex and multi-faceted. Each character has their own motivations and desires, which makes their ultimate fate all the more tragic and poignant. The film's exploration of the film industry and the exploitation of its participants also adds a level of depth and complexity to the story. The group of young filmmakers are portrayed as opportunistic and exploitative, using their creativity and talent to make a quick buck. However, as they become embroiled in the sinister plot of Harlon and Pearl, they are forced to confront the darker side of their industry. The film's climax is also notable for its audacity and originality. The scene is both shocking and fascinating, featuring a gruesome and memorable payoff that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The film's use of long takes and deliberate pacing creates a sense of realism that makes the ordeal even more terrifying. X is a thought-provoking and suspenseful horror film that pays tribute to the classics while also offering something fresh and original. The film's attention to period detail, its exploration of the film industry, and its thought-provoking themes make it a must-see for fans of the genre. With its slow-burning pace and deliberate build-up, X is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless until the very end.