Pearl (2022) **** [Horror Double Feature Pt. 1]

Just as X (2022) (review) didn’t attempt to hide its allegiance to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) (review), Pearl, Ti West’s prequel to X, which was released only six months prior, doesn’t attempt to hide the influence of the Golden Age of Hollywood and Douglas Sirk. But while X’s homages felt a tad forced, Pearl feels authentic enough that I never drifted out of its world to notice particular callbacks to classic films. It provides more of a mood, which I tend to prefer over outright replication.

While I liked X a lot, I loved Pearl—the first Ti West film I can say that about. It’s a really well-made backstory that feels natural and never forced. It’s also West’s best filmmaking in every regard—I was impressed by the production design, costumes, and atmosphere. Mia Goth is simply fantastic in this role—dishing up the crazy like her life depended upon it but also delivering a superb and impassioned long-take speech that serves as a highlight.

Pearl is a horror movie too, let’s not forget. It might be less gory than X but there are some great bloody moments (including a particularly memorable split screen montage). It’s already been teased that a sequel to X called MaXXXine which takes place in the 80s (I’m picturing Body Double (1984) vibes) is on the way. I hope West can keep up the momentum.

Ti West Feature Films Ranked