Maxxxine

Written and directed by Ti West.

Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) has made her name as an adult film star, but is now trying to break into mainstream film after landing a role in Elizabeth Bender’s (Elizabeth Debicki) horror film. But in 1985 L.A. there is also a killer on the loose, the Night Stalker. Maxine’s hopes for movie stardom are put at risk, both by her past in the form of a visit from private detective, John Labat (Kevin Bacon) and when The Night Stalker’s crimes hit close to home attracting the attention of Detectives Williams (Michelle Monaghan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale). What will she do to save her dreams?

This is the third in the X trilogy of films. I’ve not seen the first two, but that didn’t matter and didn’t stop me having fun with this enjoyable horror thriller. Thanks in no small part to its smart opening 5 minutes that tells you everything you need to know.

There’s excellent performances all around. Mia Goth’s titular Maxine is a super portrayal of a determined driven wannabe star, with a dark past.  Bacon’s sleezy P.I., Cannavale’s misguided policeman and Elizabeth Debecki’s over powering director all add to the story, but there isn’t a poor performance from any involved.

The story telling barrels along delivering  three parts intriguing thriller, and a great fun overblown high camp horror finale! Offering a good balance between thriller, horror and dark comedy.

The look and soundtrack captures 1985 perfectly, with its seedy, dark world for the story to play out in. And there’s lots of nice use of the film set and gore at the right level, with plenty ot whince inducing moments to enjoy.

Maxxxine is three parts intriguing thriller with an overblown camp horror finale. Its great cast is led by Mia Goth’s portrayal of Maxine and comes with a fantastic 80’s feel and soundtrack.  Its well paced, well told and balance’s its horror and intrigue with a sense of fun no more than in its nuts finale. All adding up to an enjoyable 104 minutes.