Whether it be on the big or small screen, Ti West’s directorial CV is pretty much exclusively horror-themed.
His often slow-burn work isn’t for everyone, although I was a fan of The House of the Devil and The Sacrament .
X is the 41-year-old’s finest film yet; it’s a real throwback to the often bonkers slasher flicks of the 70s and 80s.
Set in 1979, the story follows a group of young filmmakers as they set out to make an adult film in rural Texas and are later targeted by their reclusive, elderly hosts.
West used special lenses and post-production effects to create the grainy look of 16mm film and it works a treat as X looks like it’s travelled back in time from another era of filmmaking.
The director also utilises split screens and wipes as well as the odd needle drop of time-appropriate music.
With its setting, group of oblivious protagonists and strange, farmhouse-dwelling, threats, X takes a lot of influences from the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre .
There are no big names among the cast but that adds to the anything-could-happen atmosphere.
Scream 2022’s Jenna Ortega ( Lorraine ) impresses as the troupe’s moral fibre, while Brittany Snow’s energetic Bobby-Lynne is the polar opposite.
The real star of the show, though, is Mia Goth; her ethereal Maxine immediately catches the eye and, without spoiling anything, the English actress also furnishes the film with something truly special.
West keeps the gore count high with a few indelible kills but also takes the time to focus on the perils of aging as his script gifts the villains sensitivity and a twisted rationale for their actions.
While making the movie, West took advantage of the sets and crew available to shoot a prequel, Pearl , which will explore the main antagonist in more depth.
If it’s as A-one as horror gem X , I cannot wait.
● Do you have a favourite horror movie director? What type of film genre do you like best? Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
George Jackson got in touch to say: “I am really enjoying 'The Boys Season 3' on Amazon Prime. It’s well on track to be the best season so far.”
● X is available on DVD now.
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