Ti West is skilled at creating visually striking movies that look fantastic. “X,” which kicks off his series of slasher films—including “Pearl” and the forthcoming “MaXXXine”—is no exception. Although "X" was released first, I’d suggest watching “Pearl” before it. Either viewing order works, but I think understanding the timeline by starting with the prequel makes more sense for newcomers. “X” delivers grindhouse-style horror that pays tribute to 1970s classics like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” while still bringing something new and original to the genre. The story unfolds in 1979, where aspiring adult film actress Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) and her fellow cast and crew—Brittany Snow, Kid Cudi, Jenna Ortega, Owen Campbell, and Martin Henderson—are preparing to shoot a different kind of adult picture. The group travels to a secluded farmhouse in rural Texas to film their movie, but there’s something unsettling about the elderly owners, Howard and Pearl (Stephen Ure and Goth, appearing in a double role). Unaware of what's happening behind closed doors, the hosts discover the performers while they are filming, which triggers a series of violent events and forces everyone to fight for their lives. The retro horror setting enhances the narrative, even with its simple plot. The script (written by West) distinguishes itself through its understated humor and well-developed characters that possess considerable depth. It doesn’t take long before you begin to like and care about these people, which makes their eventual fates more impactful. West's writing explores themes of aging, ambition, voyeurism, and jealousy, all interwoven with the idea of breaking free from restraint. Suppressed desires motivate the elderly couple to start killing, but there’s much more beneath the surface violence. The film contains explicit bloodshed, gore, nudity, and sexual content, justifying its hard “R” rating. West doesn't shy away from showing the brutality, even when viewers might want to look away. Those unfamiliar with horror may find this movie too intense. The cast consists of talented independent actors who have faith in their director both on and off screen, which is evident in their performances. Feeling comfortable in front of the camera makes it easier to deliver a strong performance, ultimately creating an enjoyable experience for the audience. The film is entertaining and clever, though not overly complex. “X” concludes with a completely satisfying ending and avoids disappointing viewers, something that often happens with independent horror films. It’s definitely paced deliberately, but the payoff is worthwhile.

Source on TMDB