After throwing back to the ’80s with X, Ti West is stepping back even further to 1918 with prequel Pearl.
Mia Goth is back as the titular character, who is youthful and full of dreams of Hollywood but remains trapped in her small town with a controlling mother and a disabled father to look after.
The first thing to say is, Pearl is a tonally different film to X, so those going in expecting more slasher shenanigans may be left disappointed. Having said this, Pearl is a far more well-rounded story with Goth at her absolute best. Every time she is on screen she commands every frame, in a performance, you won’t forget anytime soon.
While Pearl has her dreams of Hollywood stardom, it is quite clear from the outset she may have some wiring loose and this film is as much about her chasing her dreams as fighting off her demons. She struggles with her anger with her life, until the moment she breaks free and becomes everything you feel she was destined to become.
While the horror elements bubble under the surface, West makes it worth the wait when the blood starts flowing with some creative deaths and one incredibly intense sequence, which I won’t spoil.
There is enough DNA to link Pearl and X, but this film could quite easily stand alone as its own entity and is arguably West’s best work. Being set in 1918 means he goes for a different style, trying to capture Americana vibes with the colours popping off the screen and a delightful score to complement.
Pearl may be Ti West’s masterpiece and certainly leaves this reviewer hopeful for the X sequel MaXXXine, which will see Goth once again take the lead.
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