Shelby Oaks Kickstarter: kck.st/3sy4hPD Chris Stuckmann reviews X, starring Mia Goth, Kid Cudi, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell. Directed by Ti West.
@@Calibanzz She’s played the same character in every role she’s done so far. It’s also played extremely over the top every time. If she can actually act I want to see it. You don’t have to agree with me but your opinion has no more value than my own.
@@django_freeman27 He was great in X though, all the actors were so hopefully we see more of everyone. I reviewed X on my channel as well, feel free to stop by to check that out if your a big horror fan like me?
A24 Is one of the few studios that the audience goes too see for the film the artistic vision over who is acting in the film , A24 ability to choose multiple genres of film is commendable & brave, not many studios are willing to take risks like A24
Well, it’s to their fucking detriment, because A24 is all about the brand and not about the art or the artist. Fuck A24 except for Green Room and Uncut Gems.
I do like A24 but this was just your regular Holywood low budget slasher nothing else, every scene can be easily predicted and the writers and director thing they are clever like the milk box or pictures on the wall. By the way if any of you guys do like a good low budget movie with great world building go and watch Prospect with Pascal it's pretty good for what it is.
X was honestly a very interesting film. I absolutely fell in love with the campy 70's Vibe and the Actors did a phenomenal job working on this film especially All the female protagonists. The plot may have been very weird but that's what honestly made the film so special. Back in the 70's,adult films were a very big deal and they were considered art,so the idea of this cast trying to make a cinematic masterpiece was simply genius for its time. I really loved how the film was only 100 mins yet it felt like longer due to it being a slowburn,it was surely a film that kept me invested and it was top notch once you get to the second half. The Gore and Killings were also top notch as well. Some can be more predictable than others but it surely was suspenseful,shocking,and Disgusting. I think X did a great job at making you understand what jealousy can do to people and to make you cherish life instead of throwing it away before it's too late. The film is surely different,very disturbing and GROSS! (if you know,you know). It surely was a fun and interesting slasher film that pays respect to classic 70's films like the Texas chainsaw massacre. Very excited to see the upcoming prequel following the origins of Pearl.
I like the idea that "people just want to see boobs, they don't care about the story" could be applied to horrors, but for the kills. "People just want to see kills, they don't care about the story." So the elevated porno they're trying to make could be similar to that of the movie's genre.
@@0o0ooo0o0oo0 The movie does have a story though, and even a subplot, and good characterization. It's all done really well in a way that makes the kills even more effective.
I heavily agree with what Chris said about “elevated” horror. I get frustrated when people use the term “conscious hip hop” as well for the same reasons. I feel like it implies that most hip hop is “unconscious” and that there are only a few exceptions.
BS. Low rent film school project horror movies almost always betray themselves as such. Pisses me off. Horror doesn't deserve any less effort and commitment to serve the viewer than any other genre does. Horror movies where the makers actually give a damn about what they're doing actually stand out from the rest.
If, I understand you correctly, I somewhat agree. Although, the very fact such sub-labels exists suggests another fact: that much of what is deemed "popular" is low grade, low effort, easily consumed, unthoughtful pieces of production that simply exist to instantly gratify our basest appetites. Maybe this kind of production has always been popular. However, the point remains and, because of this, anything that remotely addresses real world problems in a thoughtful, engaging, substantive and yet still emotionally affecting way, that this type of production is deemed "conscious." In other words, its just more thoughtful, more principled music.
@@TheCh1212 I mean I totally get both sides but for me can tell apart the movies that had passion behind the making & those are the ones that are usually labelled as "elevated horror"! Its also why certain films are on smaller screens in comparison to the silver screen, its just the way things are & being pissed isn't gonna change it unless you do (not YOU, the pissed peeps lol)
This was absolutely incredible, first half was all setup, and second half was all payoff. The character work was well done, lots of blood and gore, a little formulaic down the stretch, but overall incredible. Best film I've seen so far this year!
@@Joviaero I was guessing heart and hip. I reviewed the movie on my channel too if you want to stop by to watch that my friend. Lots of other movie content over there too.
I lowkey love how Jenna, at the start of Scream '22, comments on liking "elevated horror" to Ghostface's annoyance, is starring now in 'X', and will return for Scream 6/Scream '23 once again to challenge the slasher mindset.
@@MiyaoMeow588 well that was their plan, the OG's passing the torch to these new characters, weather they keep to their plan we shall see, but it would be a waste of a movie just to then go with a whole new cast!
I haven't seen many of their movies. I've liked more of their films more than I hated. They only fioms I trulu disliked by them were High Life and Hereditary. Uncut Gems was okay. I loved Enemy, Ex Machina, Lady Bird, The Green Knight. This was good however I didn't need ti see 2 old folks getting it on. That was the nastiest part of the movie lol. I should have known A24 was gonna pull that shit. That always have to have really bizzare scenes in their films
I loved this movie. One of the things that I thought was so great is that the characters are all genuinely like able. I’m so sick of ever horror movie having most of their characters being total assholes. You just can’t wait to see them get killed. It loses its suspense and the horror of the killings when you don’t care if they die or not, in fact you’re hoping for it.
I'd love to see a breakdown of the filming style that was used to give it an unsettling feeling. Like the quick shots that go back and forth and the first kill that was just absolutely brutal.
While filming in Whanganui, New Zealand, I served *Britney Snow* and *Kid Cudi* while working at the local cinema. I did not recognize them (despite him literally wearing a *Kid Cudi* jacket). They wanted a particular candy which we didn't have, then asked for bottled water... which we had run out of. Needless to say it was incredibly embarrassing. On the bright side, my partner got to be an extra in both films so I'm looking forward too seeing them both.
Lol I watched this last weekend and I didn’t recognize that he was kid cudi haha he did a good job. I dig the film for sure and A24 always comes through.
@@redjed100 I'd say the Netflix is a sequel and a remake. It's a remake because it literally follows beat for beat of what the original movie is, same exact story but it's a lot more inferior than the original movie
This was an amazing film experience, though being a Houston native it did a real good job of freaking me the fuck out (I had no idea it was possible to make New Zealand feel exactly like rural Texas). Of course it was exaggerated, but the setting was so familiar that it got me at my core, especially every scene around the pond.
Dude being from Texas my whole life I found the pond scene pretty stupid because the giant alligator made no sense cuz we don't have swampy areas that big anywhere fucking west nor near wheat pastures. Second houston wasn't any place people were going to or striving to make movies, it was a booming oil city. Embarrassing
Looking at Ti West's filmography, it appears that most of his films are a step-above what one might expect from low-budget genre filmmaking. And he's truly an auteur - he wrote, directed, and edited "X," and most of his previous seven (full-length) feature projects since 2007. Unfortunately, none have made much money at the B.O, but I would imagine they've gotten some traction on cable, physical media, and streaming. I will check this one out, and perhaps his highly-regarded 2009 entry "The House of the Devil" to see what I've been missing.
@@Scorpio_Rising_1 dude yes! Its super trashy and i think people passed it off because it was VOD, but it actually has some terrifying concepts and practical effects
Hereditary, Midsommar, 2 of the best, and most disturbing horror films I've ever seen, A24 has quality horror directors, excited to check out the latest one with "X".🙂
Probably my favorite horror movie of 2022, has real Texas Chainsaw Massacre energy about it, and it doesn’t rely too much on jumpscares, can’t wait for the prequel
I think it was less crazy/manic than OG TCM, which make sense and suited the theme of elderly. But for sure it was inspired by TCM and other hicksploitation/folk/slashers of that era. I also wonder if the aligator was a nod to another Hooper's movie - Eaten Alive
As long as the movies closing credits has “x gonna give it to ya!” I’m in! Lol Seriously I feel like it takes the parallels between porn and horror and plays with that in a good way. I kinda wish it was shot on old film stock to really make it feel it belongs in that era.
@@oscarcanas4805 Seriously.... i dont get it. A black dude follwing around an old white guy in the 70s holding a shotgun and hes not at all creeped out because they added some trash marine element. lol Literal garbage
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!! am I the only one who felt a little sad and emotional at the part where the Old lady was asking her husband if he's still attracted to her.. and the landslide singing part where the old lady is putting on makeup and brushing her hair. Landslide lyrics references that everyones gets old some people are afraid of changing. Iunno that felt like a sad reality that eventually yuu get too old to experience love the same.
I found this movie to be quite disappointing in so many ways. There was some great suspense and creative choices, as to be expected from A24, but this just felt like a compilation of the most cliched aspects of every horror film of the past 40 years put into a single movie and it didn't seem to have anything new to offer the genre. I kept waiting for SOMETHING interesting or unexpected to happen, and it just never did and before I knew it, it was over. Most of the deaths were uneventful, quick and lazily done compared to most horror films these days. There was some somewhat creepy imagery and some decent gore sequences, but I can't say it gave me a feeling that I can even compare to fear. It always either evoked laughter or cringe in me, but never fear or anxiety. None of the characters were interesting and most of them were very one-note, aside from the guy who played RJ. As a crazed fan of contemparary AND old school horror alike, I really wanted to like this one but it seemed to be more focused on grossing the audience out and shocking them than it was on scaring them, which doesn't make effective horror.
THANK GOD SOMEONE AGREES, I thought I was alone on this, but I was so disappointed with this movie coming out of it. It was so promising the first half but then totally takes a nosedive halfway through. I thought it was utterly amateurish, like the director took every slasher script, threw it at an AI and had it spit out a script and then used it. I was actually shocked that neither Chris or Jeremy Jahns disliked it. I thought they'd see all the crazy mistakes the movie had throughout it, and not just the editing.
Same here i was really excited about this film but regardless of the nice cast and the good look of the film , cool gore kills, it was a pretty regular slash. :(
@@WanderRadioX i get the number in my countrys currency for some reason, so im using a calculator to find how much it is in dollars 😆 but all right, lets gooo
The movie felt like the old Italian Giallo art-horror films, the likes of the great Dario Argento; with a throwback to what made the early days of American slashers so great! This is my takeaway from the film.
Loved this movie. It was such an amazing ride watching it in theaters. The cast was phenomenal. Mia Goth is definitely someone to look out for. Brittany Snow stole the show every scene and Jenna Ortega is the IT GIRL of Horror. Jenna is the Scream Queen of the 2020’s.
In this story where youth obsession was a factor in the horror, the irony is that if Maxine survived the carnage in 1979, she'd be about the same age as Pearl today. The fact that Mia Goth plays both roles knowing Maxine would be an old woman in 2022 is an unsung bit of dark meta humor.
I went to see this yesterday! And it absolutely delivered. I’m desensitized and numb to horror, but the pacing was done so well, it kept me on edge, wondering what was going to happen and when the ball started rolling- by god did the ball roll.
Just watched this tonight and... WOW. This is such an excellent modern slasher movie. This reminds me of an artistic Texas Chainsaw Massacre. There are some really artistic moments in this movie (when the old woman is dancing in front of the truck to a slow French song) and the cinematography is absolutely amazing. The score is absolutely perfect and chilling. I love the juxtaposition of the 70s disco vibe/music with the horror of what's going on in the tense scenes. Brilliant movie. OBSESSED!
Great review, and I can’t state enough how happy I am for you and the crew and cast of Shelby Oaks! I’ve been watching you since I was 14, and your content and story has always been a major inspiration for me. Can’t wait to eventually see your directing debut on the big screen!
Bro I just cannot figure out what I'm missing...I HATED this movie. Doing the exact same thing as a 70s horror movie does to a T doesn't make it an homage? It's just the same boring shit we've all seen done before, but in 2022? It looks fine. It sounds fine. Acting is fine. But there's literally nothing to get out of this movie! I was waiting for this "Dark Comedy" to start being funny. Maybe this "homage" is a parody of classic horror films? No, it's just straightforward the whole time. Then I'm thinking the gore/violence will make up for an HOUR long build up. No it's nothing. Boring deaths that give no payoff. So finally I wait for some kind of twist that's gonna make think about anything at all. No. No payoff whatsoever. Literally the worst movie I've seen in years. Not because it's "poorly made". But because there is simply nothing interesting about it. It's just like any other horror movie? Can someone please tell me what I'm not seeing?
Maybe it just wasn't your taste and that's ok! My family is split. Some of us loved it and others are upset they even watched it... I found it disturbing and "horrific" because of my own reaction to the old couple. I felt disgusted and disturbed, and other times i felt guilt for even being grossed out because they used to be young... and they see themselves in the young, but the young people don't see themselves in the old. I mean i felt so uncomfortable and disgusted that I started to laugh. The story itself seems simple but I think the horror is maybe seeing that they are not so different? Mia Goth playing Pearl when she was young in the sequel might have to do with this. Just my take on it.
It has a lot imagery of aging. You could view the first half of the movie as the young side, and the last half of the movie as the old side. The porn/sex scene also added a lot of nuances. There's a scene where they shooting a porn, the old lady looking from the outside, admiring and imagining herselfs. And then later on when she finally does a sex scene, the old couple are on the top of the bed while the young lady hide beneath it. That's a great shots of capturing how old side are rebelling and triumphs over the reality thats been imprison them for so long. Also the girl and the old lady are played by the same actress
Totally agree bro. Ice seen way too many horror movies to have found this movie interesting. Maybe this is so Gen Y people dont have to watch grainy 80s movies to see classic horror flix.
@@DougyFreshGames Bro I went out the cinema after 30minutes , a shit boring movie.I feel like I lost some braincell since this movie was so stupid , but I guess nowaday people need stupid movies to feel smart
A horror film that truly is the word...horror. A movie that pays homage to 70s cinema, takes the tropes of such movies as "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and elevates it to a story that leaves you with a lot of intensity, makes you think "I shouldn't be watching this"- and it also gives a lot to think about. The best horror makes you think of real life. The best horror isn't about body count or blood, it's about the story and characters. "X" tapped into one of my deepest fears-and that fear is something tangible and real. I can't reveal it. It would be a disservice to the brilliant screenplay. This film got under my skin, made me squirm, and had a sort of sad and tragic sprinkling. The editing of the film was incredible. Really felt like I was watching something from the 70s and shot on film. From the cinematography to the 'splicing' of scenes. The gore was intense, but don't let that stop you. It's not just 'gore' for the sake of it really. The violence isn't over the top-it's brutal and realistic. What makes this as said, is the themes and the characters. That's why you should see this. A perfect 5-star film.
This is probably one of the better ‘moral’ cautionary horror tales that I’ve seen in the modern era. This is not a typical slasher movie where every character who has sex gets killed and the one innocent Final girl survives. These characters know very much who they are and the surviving ones don’t necessarily come out of this as changed people, like ‘I’m never gonna do porn again.’ They’re comfortable having sex on camera for your viewing pleasure and they don’t care what you think, but it’s when the one ‘innocent’ girl goes from behind the camera to the front, whose boyfriend doesn’t approve, where things start to go wrong. The whole movie beforehand has the lingering threat of harm, but only at this point is where the outright harm takes place. Instead of saying that having sex is bad and you will die, this movie seems to be saying that sexual liberation is great, but if you’re not careful things could go wrong and people could get hurt
I thought the scene where Pearl killed the first dude in front of the van and his blood shot onto the headlights to make a red light filter for the scent was ingenious!!
Ti West has a very underrated horror in 2009 “The House of the Devil” it was very much 70s-80s vibes and downright eerie. If you haven’t checked it out, I recommend:>>
Ok, but I was the only person in the theater who started crying during the scene where they sing Landslide. At first I was like “oh here we go” then the parallel shots happen which I won’t talk about too much but it made me cry, or are least very emotional (I’m sure it was all the beers I had but it got me)
Im a huge horror movie fan. I saw this on release night and was absolutely impressed… up until a point. The cinematography and music in this movie was excellent and the stars were casted extremely well. It was perfect until right after the peak and best moment of the movie which was the first kill and scene sequence after. I really think afterwards it became sloppy and poorly formulaic in a way that isolated people and made me remember this is a movie and not real people trying to survive this terrible experience. Without giving too much away, it felt a little unresolved and the character depth of the villain(s) was diverted into an unsatisfying direction. Good film overall but would not spend money to watch again unfortunately.
I LOVE YOUR COMMENT SO MUCH, and I am NOT huge horror fan. After that initial kill I too was disappointed with the long set ups, in fact the kills shouldve been more disturbing. Like rPE RJ, Hang the Joe, Make Bobby Lyne get trapped in a bear trap (which is another gimmick Ive noticed in woods horror films), have her leg get cut off by the axe, Jenna Ortega character Church Mouse shouldve been tortured more.
I absolutely loved this! A true love-letter to the genre and even some sub-genres. The cinematography and atmosphere was fantastic! The film was pretty sexy too!
Both x and the upcoming prequel were filmed in my hometown of whanganui. My family met a bunch of the cast on accident and my mums shop supplied some props for Botha movies. At my home cinema they have some props from the movies displayed, it was definitely a cool experience especially because my town is quite small
Ti West did what he always does. Slow burn to the ‘enth degree. And he did it perfectly here. Given the context Ti chose in writing the first act of the film, Ti used porn to drive the sex in what is seemingly just a throwback to the genre. Instead of all the characters fucking for their kicks, it’s part of a plot that actually adds to the character of the film. His casting and writing takes a backseat to the editing in the film. Which is alluded to in the gas station scene btw. The editing was phenomenal! The jump cuts to and from important subjects made the tension palpable. Mia Goths performance was greater than any slasher in present memory harkens to. Playing both the main pro and antagonist with fine and accute chops. Every actor deserves mention, everyone in the film does. The violence was upscaled in proportion to the budget Ti had this go around. Truly horrific stuff, well paced and played, all at the end of a masterful build up. X is a masterpiece! Ti and fans should be proud. Not to mention all the little Easter eggs he put in there. The gas station’s called The “Peddler” for a reason 😄
@@justinkirby4637 Those 2 were great, I liked every scene with the alligator! I reviewed the movie on my channel too if you want to stop by to check that out? I had such a great time with the movie, u a big horror fan like me?
Wow. no social life i guess? who watches the same movie twice in a month? the rumors are true, people from the west are HOBBY monger people, while asians cant even get a break. seeing it once is already a privilege. piece of advise, watch something else, movies you haven't watched yet.
Ugh. 3:01. A24 didn’t produce this film. I would expect Stuckmann to understand how film production and distribution works, but if he doesn’t… we’ll I’m glad I don’t regular watch this dude and definitely glad I didn’t contribute to whatever Kickstarted thing he’s talking about.
Honestly didn't like the movie at all. There were some cool shots, but that's it. So many aspects of the film were pointless, I didn't care about most of the characters and then the moment I did they died immediately. There was no chase, no character development, and in my opinion no pay off. I think they had a great idea to work with but executed it poorly
I finally got to watch this film. I'm a huge movie buff especially horror movies/slashers and this movie delivered on all cylinders. First of all it really does feel like the time period it's set in the 1970s, the characters are well written, developed and acted, the farm life feels real and authentic, the story and plot is good, the tension and kills are too. I love the slow burn feel to this film too. I enjoyed the character study of the prequel Pearl too. This was another good review.
Watched this last night. I liked the set up and the retro adult shoot scenario although I don't think anyone in the porn industry were ever as friendly. It looks great and the film stock does get that seventies feel and the sound is very good. I thought the film was creepy before it changed into a full on slasher and it could have gone down a more satisfying an unnerving path for me rather than a straight forward blood fest. 6/10 for me
Been watching you a long time man and I'm so happy to hear your dream is becoming a reality with Shelby oaks. You earned it man. Wish the best for your production.
Normally I don't watch movie trailers yet this one had he intrigued that I couldn't help it. This is the second very positive review I have seen of it and it makes me want to see it. A2 films have impressed me alot and it's great to see them give a fuck about making good movies.
[Mild spoiler] the 'funny death' near the end was the ultimate hit it and quit it. Entire theater lost their shit. Overall this is without a doubt my favorite mix of horror and comedy (even though I wouldn't classify it as a horror-comedy), because a lot of the times the comedy is still horrifying. For instance, Zombieland is a great horror-comedy, but it's really just a comedy - like yeah there's zombies, but they're not particularly scary and the movie is pretty consistently humorous. This on the other hand, has truly horrific scenes and images burned into my brain that will keep me up at night, and at the same time had scenes where I was laughing out loud. Not to mention, I think it actually has some really interesting messaging about aging and beauty and sex, and so it does feel elevated not just in the production quality but also in the value you get afterwards in mulling over its themes. Instant classic and I can't wait to re-watch.
Just saw it tonight! Haven’t seen a great horror film that’s actually scary in so long! I love the arthouse horror films/thrillers that A24 puts out, but I always feel a bit disappointed, particularly on my first watch, because they’re never actually scary. Hereditary is the only recent one that managed to be effective in that way, but X is even better imo. Best movie so far this year! Probably gonna go back this week. 🤙🏼
Post credits scene isn't available anywhere in Australia, including digital download, or even searching everywhere online. Are they trying to withhold hype or...? Post credit scene wasn't shown at the theatre in Australia.
Seeing it on Sunday. I've been a Ti West fan since I saw "House of the Devil" when that came out. He's a director I will always keep up with, whatever movie he makes. Whether he succeeds or fails, I think he has an interesting voice.
Man, I'm so hyped to watch this!! I love Jenna since YOU. She has a long successful career ahead of her! That being said, I'm exiting this video and coming back when I get the chance to watch the movie 😅
I was already excited for this because it's A24 and then I saw Ti West's name and remembered he made The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, so that made me anticipate it even more. It was definitely an experience haha, I loved all the transitions and everything about the Landslide scene
Is it good.... NO. It's Meh. It's directed and edited incredibly well. TI WEST is such a good director and trained cinematographer. What lacks is any semblance of original story. More a love letter to so many cinematic offerings that came before than an original piece. It calls to The Taking of Deborah Logan, Eaten Alive, The Visit, and specifically the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Evil Deal. It's as if they plucked elements from those films and laid them into this one. It is incredibly entertaining but not memorable or original in the least. Just rent the aforementioned and you can see for yourself.
I love Ti West. I enjoyed Cabin Fever 2 wayyyyyyyy more than the 1st. The House of the Devil is like a good slow burn you would've watched on TCM at 2am in the summer in the 90s. I'd love to see him do a Friday the 13th remake or whatever or a remake of The Prowler.
An issue I ran into that probably won't be relevant to most viewers is that I live in the area where this was filmed, and it is so painfully obviously not Texas, so it makes it harder to get into. That being said, the film itself is still fine is just a little weird hearing all these Texas accents in NZ dairy farm country.
This was a deeply unsatisfying horror movie, and I think im the only one who see's that. The way it was shot was beautiful and the characters were great and well acted but when it came to the second half it was just disappointment after disappointment for me. Maybe I was expecting more typical dreadful horror deaths and genuine moments of fear but it didn't take itself too seriously, and for as dark as it made itself seem it felt like more of a joke at the end than anything else. Very mid movie IMO
(Spoiler) Honestly that part where Loraine forced RJ to film her cheating like that just ruined it a unnecessary plot point and just made her unlikable imo
I had forgotten how practical effects could put more feeling in a movie. First time in forever I watched a film and didn’t have that itch in my mind that surfaces when cgi takes me out of a film. They even had a mechanical alligator and it looked a thousand times better than all the cgi ones.
X (SPOILERS) The concept of bringing sin back from the city, and ignorantly injecting it into the country side, rides the themes of invasion, annihilation, and abject terror, which are all paramount to making any good horror film land. See The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. That movie says a ton without saying anything, which is why it won’t leave our psyche. For the first 40 minutes of X, these themes land so well, that the audience was hooked before a drop of blood had a chance to hit the floor. This, at least in theory, is why we trust A24, or really anyone who can bring storytelling to a genre that is usually cast as a cheap thrill. The irony here, is that is exactly what X becomes. Our gang of strippers, pretentious filmmakers, & other desperate wannabes are all too relatable with the audience of today. Setting the film back in the 70s makes sense, because while it took more effort to rent a room in the countryside, rather than just swiping open your AirB&B app, the sin of yesterday is ever more present and excepted today. The plot is simple: Rent a room at a farmhouse out in the country, and secretly film a porno about the corruption of innocence, calling it The Farmer’s Daughter. The joke: there are multiple daughters. Whether director Ti West knows this or not, the idea of calling one thing singular, while really meaning a multiplicity, is another theme that, again, coincidentally, horror and really all genre under capitalism is asked to do. Give us the same, but different. Again, and again, and again. In theory, in an abstract sense IMO, it’s one of the reasons why we enjoy going to watch the same thing, especially when murder is involved. There’s only so much room for so many people to navigate ideas within a certain space, now isn’t there? See Batman. But I digress… And that’s the first 40 minutes. We’re given all of the clichés, yet in a way that knows how to ride that anachronistic line of giving us something old and present at the same time. Each character is desperate to escape what they already have. They want more, like all good capitalists do, and while not everyone in the audience can personally identify with these characters’ exact plight, they sure know what it’s like to want more, and how to spot desperation. We arrive at the farmhouse to meet the farmer, who thought he was only renting the room to 1 person, and outright says to the lot of them, “I don’t like you.” And he shouldn’t. These city folk are bringing their ideas to a space that wants to keep its values intact as much as it possibly can. Throughout the movie, a broadcast on the television pops up, with a pastor condemning the sin of the big city. Everything has been setup so perfectly, that right when we finally get to see Brittney Snow’s breasts being smothered by Kid Cudi’s huge dong, we’re all confused about how we’re supposed to feel by all of this. Once again, excellent writing and directing. But wait, can you believe it? There’s more to uphold this amazing first 40 minutes. The farmer’s….well, this is just coming to me now, but I guess that could be his daughter, too…..while also being his wife….is easily seduced by the big cities temptations. We learn she was once a great beauty, and the city promised her everything, while rejecting her at the same time. Something that most of us today can absolutely relate to, both online and off; and so does the desperate sex-symbol teen stripper character played by Mia Goth. And if you must know, both the old woman and young stripper are both played by Mia Goth. They are, at 2 different points of time, 1 in the same. Brilliant. It all adds up. Ti, you are on the path to make the new The Texas Chainsaw Massacre……. And then the violence starts. I have never sat with an audience who was more letdown as I was from a horror film’s violence then we were with X. How can a film setup up its monster to be so seduced by the big city, that when the expression of that violence finally erupts onscreen, it has next to NOTHING to do with seduction? The first kill is the old woman straddling the camera op. and stabbing him in his neck, while slightly moaning, if you could even say that. And that is it. The only seduction we’re treated to. That’s your kill? Do you think the audience of today can’t take seductive, horrific ideas that land so much harder (no pun intended) when you actually show it, instead of only slightly eluding to it, and for only 1 scene? Why wasn’t she dry humping him, yes, RAPING HIM, the same way those people have felt their land has been raped and taken away from them?! If this word disturbs you, then you are either uninterested in the RESPONSIBILTY OF HORROR, and ironically, what various minority groups have said they’ve felt like once their land, their souls, and their bodies have been taken away from them. The beauty and irony here, is that it’s exactly like the family from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. A white family being pushed to the fringes of their land, because their jobs were now are being taken over my machines and immigrants, flooding the big city. This is not my POV, but the horrific POV of the family, and I got news for ya....a lot of people you probably know. Yet here in X, it’s focusing on the loss of traditional values, and how that’s corrupting the country. How, HOW! How are you not going to show us in a horrific way those values being twisted and distorted? Instead, we watch the old woman and old man hunt down these bad city folk, and simply stab, or shoot, or feed to a gator, because.... they're luring city folk in to punish them? How are you not going to invest in what you offered us from the first 40 minutes of character development? We should’ve been made to actually feel for The Old Man’s plight in having to save his daughter from these seductive city folk. Now that would’ve been truly disturbing. Imagine if the villains in “X” continued to playout like the real, thought-out characters we were presented during act 1. The Farmer could’ve either told the city folk to fuck off, being that he doesn’t want their bohemian ways infecting his already troubled daughter/wife; or, maybe he needs the money, since all of the work that was once brought from the country is now being taken over by industry from the big, bad city. Again. See Texas Chainsaw. The city folk would’ve had to either sneak back in, so they could film their porno, and yes, you could’ve still somehow had that beautiful Stevie Nicks moment; or they would’ve been allowed to stay, which would’ve brought sympathy to the farmer’s plight. “Why do I want to relate with a monster!?” You ask? Do you know where you are? That’s one of the points great horror is meant to do. The Hag would’ve been able to play out in a similar fashion in either instance, spying on the group, and being seduced by their city values, as she once was, too. Then, after being rejected by her father/husband, since he can’t perform any longer, she stalks the city folk, trying to seduce them, being rejected again (the camera op.) and again (the producer) and again (Kid Cudi), which would’ve created a tragic, horrific monster; one that’s the shadow of the stripper who believes the world is owed to her, being that they are 1 in the same at 2 different points in time. This would then allow for The Farmer to actually have a character, in that in either instance, he would’ve had to go hunt for his daughter/wife, knowing exactly what type of trouble that he’s, once again, unfortunately had to let into his house. Not because he and The Hag are cartoon characters who, after all of that beautiful setup, just want to lure city folk out into their airB&B to punish them, but because just like the family from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, they’re struggling to survive, whether that struggle is financial, moral, or ideological. “But they weren’t characters in The Texas Chainsaw!” You’re right; they were an idea. They were an ironic example of the white Americans who once owned this land, who are now struggling to survive because the industry of the city shut down most of the meat-packing plants where they used to work. This is why they start cutting up city folk and selling it back to the people as a means to live in Texas Chainsaw 2. The problem with “X” is that it actually creates a scenario where characters can actually exist, and the movie does a great job of setting everything up…..to fall flat on its face for shock and hack violence. Imagine if The Farmer is hunting down the city folk, while The Hag is trying to seduce/kill them, and when he finally finds her and in bed one of the, The Farmer disrobes, finally giving in to what she’s been looking for, yet dies during the act. I mean, I saw the movie yesterday and I can’t remember how he dies. Beside “A Quiet Place”, this is one of the most tragic examples of a modern horror film I’ve ever seen.
Ya I love A24 movies. Speaking of effective A24 psychological horror, check out Saint Maude. Really well shot, superbly acted, creepy and offputting, with one hell of an ending. I seriously think you need to watch it.
Ti West is back! Not like he went anywhere, but I just love when I hear a new Ti West film is out and especially a new horror film from him. "House of the Devil" is one of my favorites by him, along with "The Innkeepers". I can't wait to see "X"!
I recently watch it, and I’m not gonna lie, it follows every horror trope with cut to 24 hours earlier at the beginning. The character were somewhat 2 Dimensional and the story at times was painfully nose dives into a cabin in the woods, evil dead kinda feeling. The villains are literally super human for their age, stabbing and killing that needs a lot of power to do, their motivations were like what a teenager thinks what being old is like. Granted the cinematography was good and the practical effects with disturbing imagery was on point. But the plot and everything follows everything what a horror films came before. So this film was forgetful at best
saw the video. paused it. went and watched the movie i will say this: the attempts to tie the film to a prequel turned me off. i just didn't care for that....reveal, twist, whatever. In fact sometime during the last act i thought "wait...maybe?" but thought it was too stupid an idea. then the film made it so I did enjoy the movie actually. I didn't know who was in it (cast) so when i found out, it all made sense including the twist reveal. when i went to see it, there were so many people mouthing off throughout the film that it was over the line. and knowing the contents of the film, you can imagine why. But I was mesmerized at the old people theme in the movie that kept coming back. Thought the movie had more to do with just a slasher flick but alas not really. Also did nobody within the film know about the twist reveal? it's just a reveal to the audience? why? goes back to the tie in to the prequel that drove me crazy. unnecessary. came from left field. a big 'wtf' for me
Might be an odd man out here. I was really excited to see this but was kind of disappointed. I don’t know if I hyped myself out or I had unrealistic expectations. I just wasn’t satisfied when I watched it. The first half building up the tension was awesome but our end result wasn’t it for me. I was expecting something deeper than it was I guess. I liked most of all the other Ti West films but this one I wasn’t super hyped on like House of the Devil
Never liked the slasher genre but just watched it and damn, this is a good movie! Beautifully shot, good storyline and the characters are not idiots that you hate from the start. No. They are people that you get to actually like and care for, and that makes all the difference. Highly recommend.
Beautifully shot with good likeable performances. Loved the send up to 70s slashers and the commentary on beauty, religion, sex, morality etc. I do think the kills could have been more interesting or gory and they were in such quick succession that they didn’t hit me quite right but overall I think it was a solid 7/10. I love Mia Goth and want her to be in more things!
Ok. I gave $1 to Shelby Oaks. I ain’t got no $ at the moment. Just coming off 4mths out of work. Redundant, Family sickness, hospital, Death, grieving. Just started working in a new job. I’ve been listening to this guys reviews for years. So fuck me if I can’t support this film. It’s not a lot, but if a majority of casual but regular listeners like me can throw anything small at this, it could easily hit 1 million. Despite being in the worst period of my life, I would feel like a bag of shit if I didn’t do anything, & it will feel amazing to see this film knowing I even did a tiny bit to help. Good luck. You rock 🤘
I just saw this film and loved it. Unlike other so-called slasher films where the killer seems to know everyone else’s next move I never really got that impression with this film. I always felt that these were just two elderly people where the wife was probably suffering from dementia but they both had a killer streak in them. I also really like how the wife continue to act like an elderly person, even when she was killing people. She didn’t suddenly for the most part have the strength of a 20 year old when killing them. She had very slow mannerisms and movements like you would expect, which made it all the more real , the film was shot beautifully and added to the suspense
I completely agree. I don't know what kool Aid everyone is drink but this movie is the definition of "Style over substance". The pacing is poor, it's nowhere near scary, it's predictable and had some serious logic problems, especially when it comes to the antagonists. The hype is undeserved.
So I’ve seen a lot of comments saying the characters weren’t likeable at all, which is honestly kinda sad. I feel like the whole point of the film was to highlight how all of us have good and bad within us, and that ‘good’ and ‘bad’ is just matter of perspective. Hence the “prude” line being used the way it was, for example. For me, it was a great story about nature vs nurture, the huge role that society plays within that and the ‘us vs them’ mentality being a product of that. If you found the characters unlikeable perhaps that might say more about how you perceive people than the actual characters. Which is absolutely fine because again, I feel like that was kinda the point. I mean why else would the film give us insight into all the characters insecurities and trauma, why bother to put it in at all if it didn’t have a point. Good film 👍
Can’t wait for the Shelby oaks movie especially with these thresholds being made hope you meet your ultimate goal and I hope this opens so many doors for you to make even more movies.
Can somebody explain to me what makes this movie unique? People keep acting like its high art and I'm here thinking this is just Friday the 13th meets The Visit. I don't mean to hate on someone's hard work, and its definitely not terrible but all of it feels predictable, formulaic, unoriginal, and cheesy. I can appreciate it much more as a love letter to classic slashers a la Texas Chainsaw Massacre or the Friday series, but man its so dated. Like I feel that we set a much higher standard for film even horror films like Hereditary, Midsommar, Get Out, Don't Breathe, and more but then we get this and people are acting like its the best movie this year? I have to be missing something, so I'm genuinely asking someone to explain what they felt solidified this movie as great.
