The acclaimed "X" trilogy from director Ti West, which has garnered praise as a standout example of modern grindhouse filmmaking, is now available for streaming on Hulu. The collection includes the original "X," its prequel "Pearl," and the upcoming sequel "MaXXXine." This marks the first time all three films, featuring prominent performances from Mia Goth, can be watched consecutively.
The term "grindhouse" historically refers to theaters that showed low-budget films, often in double or triple features, at reduced prices. Following the shift in film rating systems in 1968, these movies began to feature more explicit violence and sexual content, influencing exploitation films of the 1970s and low-budget slashers of the 1980s. By the 1990s, with the rise of home video, "grindhouse" evolved into more of an aesthetic descriptor for gritty genre films that embrace their own thematic elements, rather than a reflection of the theaters themselves.
Ti West's "X" trilogy has been recognized for its modern interpretation of this style. "X," released in March 2022, is set in rural Texas in 1979. The plot follows an independent film crew who, under false pretenses, arrive at a secluded farm to shoot a pornographic movie. Their activities soon attract the attention of the farm's elderly owners, leading to a violent confrontation.
Mia Goth delivers a dual performance in "X," portraying both Maxine, a young actress seeking her breakthrough in adult films, and Pearl, the elderly farm owner who harbors a murderous rage. The latter character's backstory is explored in "Pearl," a prequel set on the same farm in 1918. The film depicts Pearl's simmering anger and isolation as she awaits her husband's return from World War I.
The final installment, "MaXXXine," released in 2024, serves as a direct sequel to "X." Set in 1985 Los Angeles, it follows Maxine as she attempts to transition from adult films to the horror genre, unaware that she is being stalked. The film was noted for its departure from the Hulu original movie of the same name.
Across the trilogy, the films feature notable ensemble casts, including Jenna Ortega, Kid Cudi, David Corenswet, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Halsey, Lily Collins, and Giancarlo Esposito. This approach, featuring well-known actors, elevates the productions beyond the typical casting of low-budget genre films. However, the trilogy distinguishes itself by maintaining a serious tone, avoiding camp or self-aware winking at the camera. The films are characterized by their straightforward, often brutal, portrayal of characters driven by their desires and willingness to resort to violence to achieve them.