🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ti West
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Slasher, Erotic
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 45min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (203K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bunch of horny filmmakers try to make a porn movie on a farm and end up getting wrecked by the geriatric owners who are upset they can’t get down anymore.
🍿 X: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Setup: A Porn Shoot in Rural Texas
In 1979, a group of young filmmakers heads to rural Texas to shoot an adult film titled ‘The Farmer’s Daughters.’ The crew consists of Wayne, the producer; Maxine, his girlfriend and aspiring star; RJ, the director; Lorraine, RJ’s girlfriend and sound operator; and actors Bobby-Lynne and Jackson. They rent a farmhouse from an elderly couple, Howard and Pearl.

Tensions Rise as Filming Begins
As filming commences, tensions rise. Lorraine, initially reluctant, decides to participate in a scene, causing RJ distress. Pearl, the elderly woman, becomes increasingly fixated on the young filmmakers and their sexuality. She expresses longing for her youth and intimacy, which Howard cannot fulfill.

The Night Turns Deadly
The night takes a dark turn as Pearl’s repressed desires manifest into violence. RJ rebuffs Pearl’s advances, leading her to murder him. Wayne discovers RJ’s body and is subsequently killed by Pearl. Howard contributes to the mayhem, and one by one, the filmmakers fall victim to the elderly couple’s homicidal rage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Maxine Minx (Mia Goth): An aspiring starlet determined to make it big in the adult film industry.
- Pearl (Mia Goth): An elderly woman filled with sexual frustration and jealousy, leading to murderous acts.
- Howard (Stephen Ure): Pearl’s husband, complicit in the violence and struggling with his own aging body.
- Wayne (Martin Henderson): The ambitious executive producer of the adult film, focused on success.
- Lorraine (Jenna Ortega): A initially reluctant member of the film crew who eventually embraces the adult film production with deadly consequences.
- Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow): A seasoned adult film actress.
- Jackson (Kid Cudi): An adult film actor and Vietnam veteran.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Maxine: “I will not accept a life I do not deserve.” – Maxine says this, driven by her ambition and desire for stardom, showcasing her determination to escape her current circumstances.
- Pearl: “(Various moaning and pleading sounds)” – The character says this while trying to seduce the younger folks from the film crew, showing her own feelings and what she longs for.
- Sheriff Dentler: “A goddamn fucked up horror show.” – The sheriff grimly predicts that this is what is going to be seen on the camera, after finding the filming camera.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $11,765,309
- Worldwide Gross: $14,740,889
💥 X Reviews
Personal Review
I went into ‘X’ expecting a fun, trashy slasher, and it delivered! The 70s vibe was spot-on, and the gore was delightfully over-the-top. Mia Goth stole the show; her transformation was unreal. That alligator scene made me jump out of my seat! Definitely one to watch with a group of friends for maximum thrills.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic slasher films”
- “Viewers interested in horror movies with thematic depth”
- “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads”
- “Fans of Mia Goth’s performances”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Strong sexual content and nudity”
- “Drug use”
- “Disturbing themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Ti West delivers a stylish and gruesome slasher that cleverly blends 70s aesthetics with modern horror sensibilities. Mia Goth’s dual performance is captivating, and the film’s exploration of aging and desire adds depth to the mayhem.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While the premise might seem exploitative, ‘X’ offers more than just cheap thrills. The film is a well-crafted homage to classic slashers, complete with striking visuals and a palpable sense of dread. However, the pacing can be uneven at times.
- IGN: “X is a decent slasher movie, but it feels too self-conscious, and it is not as clever as West thinks it is. The movie still ends up being fairly typical of the films it’s commenting on, regardless of how well executed and ‘elevated’ it thinks it is. It’s also too drawn out to satisfy some gore-hounds
Audience Reactions
Mia Goth’s performance was phenomenal and incredibly creepy.: Viewers were impressed by the film’s commitment to 70s horror aesthetics and the surprising depth of the characters.
The movie had a great build-up and kept me on the edge of my seat!: The originality was praised, in a world of unoriginal horror movies.
Overall Consensus: ‘X’ is a stylish and gruesome slasher film that pays homage to classic 70s horror while offering its own unique twists. While some find the pacing slow, most agree that Mia Goth’s performance and the film’s exploration of aging and desire make it a worthwhile watch for horror fans.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ti West wrote the prequel ‘Pearl’ during a mandatory two-week COVID-19 quarantine in New Zealand before production on ‘X’ could begin.”
- “A24 greenlit ‘Pearl’ after seeing the script before production on ‘X’ had wrapped, and Mia Goth immediately agreed to star in both films.”
- “The opening credits are absent, with the title only appearing at the end, contributing to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch X?
X is available to stream on platforms such as Showtime and Paramount+. You can also rent or buy the movie on demand from services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed X, you might like these similar films:
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): Direct comparison due to its similar slasher elements, isolated rural setting, and terrifying elderly antagonists.
- House of 1000 Corpses (2003): Thematic similar due to the dark humour, gore, and the family of killers.
- The Visit (2015): Similar due to the ‘creepy old people’ subgenre, with a focus on suspense and the unsettling nature of elderly antagonists.
🛒 X Related Products
- X (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the chilling atmosphere of ‘X’ with the original soundtrack. Features a mix of classic country tunes and haunting original compositions that perfectly capture the film’s tone.
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (4K Ultra HD): Texas Chainsaw Massacre, from Tobe Hooper, is a cornerstone of the slasher film genre and a clear inspiration for ‘X’. Own the 4K of this classic.
- Mia Goth Signed Photo: A rare, autographed photo of Mia Goth. A fantastic piece for dedicated fans of the movie.
- Retro Horror Movie Poster Set: Posters styled to look like 70’s slasher films. Decorate with vintage styled decorations.
🎧 Soundtrack
X features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, X is a fictional story, although it draws inspiration from classic horror films like ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and the slasher genre of the 1970s.
X explores themes of aging, repressed sexuality, the pursuit of fame, and the contrast between youth and decay. It examines how societal expectations and personal desires can lead to violence and destruction.
Yes, X is part of a trilogy. The prequel, ‘Pearl,’ was released in 2022, and the sequel, ‘MaXXXine’, is scheduled for release in 2024.
🔥 Bonus Content
X – Inside Look
Curious how X came to life? Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, from the script to the final cut!
X (2022) Review/Analysis
X is more than just a slasher film – it’s a commentary on our own fears and desires. Check out this thought-provoking analysis of the film’s hidden meanings.
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