MaXXXine Trailer Delivers Slasher Perfection

In the growing space of horror cinema, few genres have the power to captivate audiences quite like a well-crafted sub-genre slasher film. Enter Ti West's highly anticipated upcoming movie, MaXXXine, the latest installment in a chilling trilogy (including X and Pearl) that has been making waves in the horror community since its initial announcement.

MaXXXine (A24) 

Now, with the release of the first trailer, the film has managed to generate even more excitement, setting itself up to be perceived as an unmissable horror event. So here’s why we think West and Mia Goth’s MaXXXine has the potential to become a top-tier slasher movie and possibly the best film of the trilogy.

An 80’s-Coded Era of Terror

The MaXXXine trailer instantly promises a fresh take on the beloved horror film series by offering a new chapter in the story focused on a revitalized version of Maxine (from X) who has since gone from an aspiring adult film star to a big-screen Hollywood actor. Ti West, known for his unique storytelling and masterful direction, takes the franchise several years into the future with the new film (now set in a 1980s backdrop) and crafts a new, unique (yet comfortably familiar) 80s-coded slasher narrative that builds upon the foundation laid out by the previous films — while still infusing it with unexplored intensity and intrigue.

Much like its predecessors, the trailer already indicates that there’s still commendable attention to set design, aesthetic detailing, and an overall style of filmmaking (framing, coloring, etc.) that must be applauded. If the trailer’s energy matches the film’s, we’re definitely getting a masterful interpretation of an era that helped keep the slasher genre alive.

Maxine: The Franchise’s Uniquely Compelling Final Girl

One of the most compelling aspects of the MaXXXine trailer is the evolution of Maxine's character. Played by the emotionally skillful actor Mia Goth (her gaze remains unmatched), Maxine is already teasing that she’s still portrayed with a certain tenacity from Goth, tapping into her fears, rage, and sense of euphoria that she tends to cycle between. There are hints at her family’s spirituality, her attempt to shed her past for a dazzling future, and even unspoken trauma, so you just know this one will have an explosive conclusion.

Through haunting visuals and chilling sequences, the trailer clearly insists that this is a darker, more introspective journey for Maxine — and by delving deeper into the character’s psyche and experiences (both pre-films, post-X, and currently), MaXXXine will surely open up a world of possibilities for an underrated final girl with new opportunities for character development and exploration.

Could MaXXXine Be the Best Entry of the Trilogy?

With the release of the MaXXXine trailer, it’s obvious that expectations are now high for what could become the best film of the trilogy. West's unparalleled vision and commitment to storytelling promise to push the boundaries of the genre and deliver a cinematic experience that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. By elevating Maxine's character to new high-stakes heights (especially with Goth behind the wheel) and amplifying the atmospheric elements that have defined the film series, MaXXXine holds the potential to not only surpass its predecessors but also set a new standard for slasher films in the modern era.

The A24 film MaXXXine carves its way into theaters on July 5, 2024.