Pearl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A farm girl really wants to be a dancer, so she does the only logical thing: murders everyone around her and smiles a lot.

🍿 Pearl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Farm in 1918

Set in 1918 during World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic, the movie introduces Pearl, a young woman living on a farm with her ailing father and stern mother. Her husband, Howard, is away at war, leaving Pearl feeling isolated and trapped. She dreams of a glamorous life as a dancer, inspired by the movies she watches at the local cinema.

Dreams and Discontent

Pearl’s yearning for a different life clashes with her responsibilities on the farm. Her mother constantly reminds her of her duties, crushing her aspirations. She finds solace in small acts of rebellion, such as using her father’s morphine and spending time with a charming projectionist, but her discontent grows.

Escalating Violence

As Pearl’s dreams are repeatedly dashed, her mental state deteriorates, leading to violent outbursts. These begin with animals but quickly escalate to people, including the projectionist who seemed to offer her an escape. Her actions are fueled by a desperate need to break free from her perceived constraints.

Audition and Breakdown

An audition for a traveling dance troupe offers Pearl a glimmer of hope, but her rejection sends her spiraling. This culminates in a series of tragic events as Pearl’s frustration and repressed anger reach a boiling point, resulting in more deaths and a complete descent into madness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pearl (Mia Goth): A young woman with dreams of stardom who descends into madness while trapped on her family’s farm.
• Ruth (Tandi Wright): Pearl’s stern and overbearing mother who disapproves of her daughter’s aspirations and attempts to control her.
• Father (Matthew Sunderland): Pearl’s infirm and paralyzed father, who requires constant care and represents a source of frustration for her.
• Projectionist (David Corenswet): A charming projectionist who encourages Pearl’s dreams and offers her a glimpse of a more exciting life.
• Mitsy (Emma Jenkins-Purro): Pearl’s sister-in-law, who innocently supports Pearl’s aspirations, unaware of her growing instability.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pearl: “Please, I’m a star! Please, somebody help me! Help me!” – Pearl yells this in distress and desperation after being rejected at the dance audition.
• Pearl: “I just want it so bad.” – Pearl expresses her burning desire for a life beyond the farm to the projectionist, hinting at her desperation.
• Ruth: “I see a darkness in you, Pearl. A malevolence I cannot abide.” – Pearl’s mother confronts her, revealing her fears about Pearl’s true nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1 million
• Domestic Gross: $9,423,445
• Worldwide Gross: $9,847,490

💥 Pearl Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Pearl’ completely blew me away! I went in expecting a horror movie, but I got so much more. Mia Goth is incredible; she made me feel sympathy for a character who’s clearly losing her mind. The scene where she’s dancing in front of the church is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and that final smile? Chilling! Definitely one of the most memorable movies I’ve seen this year.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers.”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies of villains.”
  • “Those who appreciate films with unique visual styles and strong performances.”
  • “People who enjoyed the movie ‘X’.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence.”
  • “Disturbing images.”
  • “Mature themes.”
  • “Brief sexual content.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Mia Goth delivers a career-defining performance as Pearl, a young woman teetering on the edge of madness. Ti West masterfully blends horror and psychological drama, creating a disturbing yet beautiful film experience. The film’s vibrant colors and period setting enhance the unsettling atmosphere.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Pearl is a striking prequel to ‘X’, offering a chilling origin story for its villain. Mia Goth’s performance is captivating, portraying Pearl’s descent into darkness with nuance and intensity. The film’s Technicolor aesthetic adds a surreal quality to the disturbing events.
• IndieWire: “Ti West crafts a visually stunning and psychologically unsettling character study with ‘Pearl.’ Mia Goth shines as the troubled protagonist, delivering a performance that is both captivating and terrifying. The film’s slow-burn approach builds tension effectively, leading to a shocking climax.

Audience Reactions

Mia Goth’s performance is absolutely mesmerizing!: Viewers consistently praise Mia Goth’s nuanced and chilling portrayal of Pearl, highlighting her ability to evoke both sympathy and fear.

The film’s unique visual style and vibrant colors create a surreal and unsettling atmosphere.: Many appreciate the film’s homage to classic Hollywood cinema, noting how the vibrant colors and period setting enhance the film’s overall aesthetic.

Overall Consensus: Pearl is a disturbing and visually striking psychological horror film, anchored by Mia Goth’s exceptional performance, that delves into the origins of a troubled character.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ti West and Mia Goth co-wrote the script during a two-week mandatory quarantine in New Zealand before filming ‘X’.”
• “The strained smile that Goth holds behind the closing credits was a spur-of-the-moment idea from director Ti West.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pearl?

Pearl is available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ and Showtime. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand from services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pearl, you might like these similar films:

• Psycho (1960): Explores the psychological breakdown of a character with a domineering mother and repressed desires, leading to violence.
• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): Features a psychologically disturbed former child star and themes of sibling rivalry and mental illness.
• Repulsion (1965): A psychological horror focusing on a woman’s descent into madness and isolation.
• The Witch (2015): Set in a historical rural setting, exploring themes of isolation, religious extremism, and a family’s disintegration.
• X (2022): It is the first movie in the trilogy, making it a MUST to watch.

🛒 Pearl Related Products

• Pearl (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Own the haunting score of Pearl on limited edition vinyl. Perfect for collectors and fans of the film’s unique atmosphere. Makes a great gift for horror enthusiasts.
• X & Pearl [Blu-ray]: Dive into the twisted world of X and Pearl with this Blu-ray collection. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content for a deeper understanding of the films.
• Pearl Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the striking ‘Pearl’ movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your horror collection. Show your love for A24.
• Pearl Farmhouse T-Shirt: Show your love for Pearl with this stylish t-shirt featuring an iconic image from the film. Comfortable and durable, perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pearl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Oui Oui Marie” – performed by Various Artists
• “Pearl Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Tyler Bates and Timothy Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Pearl in 15 Minutes or Less

If you’re a fan of the ‘Everything Wrong With’ series or simply enjoy a good laugh, check out CinemaSins’ take on the movie Pearl. They poke fun at everything from the plot holes to the over-the-top acting, making for a highly entertaining watch.

Scarecrow rizz.. 👀 #shorts #pearl #miagoth #pearlmovie #primevideo

Get ready for a laugh and dance along with Pearl in this hilarious short clip! Movie Plug captures one of the most memorable scenes from the movie, making it perfect for sharing on social media or revisiting the craziness of Pearl.

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