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| Images courtesy A24 |
After the disappointing Texas Chainsaw Massacre sequel that appeared on Netflix last month, West reminds us exactly what made the slice and dice films of the '70s and '80s so great. Crossing a story about amateur porn with a passionate treasure trove of gore and tension works to full effect as his production hits numerous markers that directly call back to a much greater time in the dying art of hack and slash. Relying on just enough back story and characters we can actually connect with, X is the money shot we've been waiting for.
This is a return to form for the sub-genre that finds ways to subvert classic tropes while also building a great foundation for his planned trilogy of films. Taking notes from numerous cabin in the woods type stories, West goes for the throat with the kills in his latest flick. Although some will take issue with his ageist storytelling, the core behind his film is rock solid and a must-see for anyone that's missing the grime laced grit of the original TCM, the build up of the first Friday the 13th, or any other numerous titles that this is so inspired by. Getting back to the sex and death themes that eviscerated on-screen teenagers throughout the '80s, West rides a fine line between terror, humor, and all out satire.
X continues the final girl legacy with a new story that sees a porn crew take their shoot to a dying farm owned by a couple of mentally unwell senior citizens. X will be and should be judged for its awful handling and views on dementia. Unfortunately, this is both the movie's strong suit and weak suit at the same time. The way it's treated is terrible and not politically correct but it definitely offers a creative look at the illness. And the antagonists are unexpected and unique. However, unlike Adam Robitel's The Taking of Deborah Logan, the subject matter is mishandled and may just straight up piss some people off.
The ensuing run time is made up of some absolutely brutal kills, uncomfortable sex scenes, and a bit of amazing editing combined with practical effects and a crew of absolutely dedicated actors that fully understand the material they're working with. Above all else, X features one of the best female horror screams in years. Stay through the credits. There's a trailer for the upcoming prequel.
X is another step forward for A24's independent horror catalog. It's definitely not perfect. Despite its faults, this is the best slasher movie of the past several years and will hopefully reignite the trend.
-CG
