Ti West’s trilogy, centered around Maxine Minx’s pursuit of fame, concludes with MaXXXine, a nostalgic slasher with noir undertones set in 1980s Los Angeles. The film directly addresses the questions raised by Maxine’s pursuit of stardom, exploring horror in the city’s seedy underbelly as she navigates her path to fame. A mysterious killer targets Hollywood starlets, creating a sense of tension and suspense.
The film’s conclusion provides clear arc closure for Minx, as she lands her big Hollywood break and becomes poised to achieve true stardom. West’s ability to capture different eras and settings is showcased throughout the trilogy, evoking the grimy underground feel of the late-1970s Golden Age of porn in Pearl, set in 1918 rural America during the emerging silent film era. MaXXXine, on the other hand, becomes a neon-soaked horror-noir, carrying the torch of the franchise’s themes around fame and Hollywood.
As Maxine’s desire to move out of porn and sex work stems from her need to reach higher goals, her sense of self-expansion is reflected in the film. This newfound ambition is a significant development in her character, leaving room for potential future installments or spin-offs.
A Still From MaXXXine (Photo: MaXXXine)
Despite the film’s conclusion being billed as the end of the character’s story, the franchise’s future is far from settled. West has hinted at the possibility of a fourth installment, should MaXXXine perform well, which would allow him to revisit Minx in a different era of film history. Ultimately, the direction the franchise takes will depend on the film’s performance.
The X trilogy has charmed audiences with its unique blend of horror, noir, and nostalgia, and its conclusion only adds to the sense of intrigue. The fate of the franchise is now in the hands of Ti West, waiting to see how he chooses to take it forward. With West’s ability to capture different eras and settings, as well as his knack for crafting complex characters, the possibilities are endless. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for Maxine Minx and the X trilogy? Will West revisit Minx in a different era or explore a new genre in that influential era of film history? One thing is certain – the world of MaXXXine is not one that will be forgotten anytime soon.
