How Ti West’s Pearl, X, and MaXXXine Are Interlinked; Explained

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for both the art of filmmaking and the intricacies of character development, I find the X trilogy by director Ti West to be a captivating exploration of ambition, envy, and the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams.


In the X trilogy, director Ti West continues the ominous theme of Maxine and Pearl’s determination to achieve Hollywood stardom. The latest addition, titled MaXXXine, was released in early July and serves as a follow-up to 2022’s X. Here, Mia Goth’s character Maxine experiences her long-awaited success in the film industry. However, her dark past poses a significant threat, casting a shadow over her newfound achievements.

Mia Goth masterfully brings Pearl and Maxine to life, portraying the intricately linked characters in a chilling manner. These two roles, played by Goth, represent refined versions of each other.

The link that ties Pearl, X, and MaXXXine

In 1979, I was introduced to the captivating tale of Maxine and Pearl. It all started with the first installment of X, where a group of us young folks embarked on an adventure to shoot an adult film and rented a secluded farmhouse from Pearl and her husband Howard in Texas. The attention given to Maxine Minx, the rising adult star and aspiring actress, ignited a long-suppressed flame within Pearl – her dream of becoming a Hollywood star.

After seeing Maxine’s vibrant youth and determination to succeed, elderly Pearl feels envious and goes to great lengths to regain her own place in the spotlight. However, despite her efforts, which include a series of murders, her deep connection to Maxine remains unbroken until Pearl meets her end.

In the X trilogy, we delve into how Pearl’s dream and Maxine’s goals intersect, both fitting within the classic horror themes of the 1970s. This connection is examined from various angles to form a comprehensive understanding.

In other words, the 2022 film “Pearl,” which came out not long after “X,” acts as a prequel and provides more context about the backstory of its antagonist. It delves into her conservative upbringing and the reasons behind her committing heinous crimes.

As a longtime fan of the Ti West franchise, I’ve been eagerly following the intriguing discussions and fan theories surrounding the enigmatic villain Pearl and the mysterious rise of Maxine’s Hollywood career. Having grown up with these characters, I’ve felt the excitement and anticipation building with each new release. So when news broke about a prequel being in the works, I couldn’t contain my excitement.

Maxxine’s story continues from where it left off in X, as she goes into hiding after killing Pearl and suddenly finds herself in the limelight. However, her peace is disrupted when news spreads about a serial killer targeting Hollywood actresses, bringing back unwelcome memories for Maxxine.

Why does Mia Goth play both Pearl and Maxine?

If not for the credits, it would have been challenging to identify Mia Goth as Pearl in X, given her striking transformation into a desolate old woman trying to exploit Maxine’s youth. The director’s bold choice to cast the 30-year-old actress in dual roles extends beyond her impressive acting abilities.

Goth presents Pearl and Maxine in a symbolic manner, highlighting Pearl’s jealousy towards Maxine’s youth and her relentless pursuit of recognition, which she longed for throughout her life. At the same time, Pearl seems to foreshadow Maxine’s future development.

In the words of director Ti West, these two characters are like two sides of the same coin to me. Though they may appear different at first glance, I see them as expressions of the same person. And with the release of the 2022 prequel featuring Goth embodying a younger Pearl, this connection between the characters only grows stronger.

In addition to the engaging stories of the characters, the X trilogy provides commentary on the movie business. Its themes bring to mind the horror films popular in the 1970s.

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2024-07-29 15:07