MovieChat Forums > Pearl (2022) Discussion > Not as fantastic as X, but still very go...

Not as fantastic as X, but still very good

posted 2 years ago by [deleted]
10 replies | jump to latest

I watched Pearl (2022) today. Pearl is the prequel to X (also 2022) and focuses on the younger version of the character Pearl (played by Mia Goth in both films). Mia Goth is fantastic in this, even better than her wonderful dual performances in X. I loved the cinematography and it's got a really good score too. Pearl is entertaining and fun and captures a lot of the same retro energy and spirit as X, while still being its own thing. Not quite as great X, Pearl is still one of the best films of the year. My rating is an 8/10.

[–] prolelol (1421) 2 years ago

I was gonna ask if Mia gave better performance than in X, but thank you for the review.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

Mia Goth confirmed as best Scream Queen.

[–] jcnyclv (1400) 2 years ago

I'm surprised you say that X is better because this one is supposed to be better from what I heard. I liked X, didn't love it, thought it was extremely overrated. Just goes to show how different people's tastes can be in movies 🙂.

[–] Erting (201) 2 years ago

I also liked X more, but I also though it was a little overrated. It was a 7 out of 10 movie for me. Pearl is a 6 out of 10 for me. Great performance from Mia Goth and good visual style, but it never fully became the tense and gripping horror drama I was expecting and it ended at the moment when it got most interesting. It just felt like a lot of build up without a truly satisfying payoff.

Even though I don't love this series the way the critics have, I have to admit I'm very curious to see how things wrap up with Maxxxine, especially since the 80s setting seems so appealing and Ti West really knows how to recreate an 80s visual style and atmosphere (a la The House of the Devil).

[–] jcnyclv (1400) 2 years ago

Thanks for your input. I'll see Pearl when it comes out on DVD or streaming. I don't have high expectations but I won't pass on it. I won't pass on Maxxxine either, just in case it's actually scary. It's when I go in with high expectations that I'm usually disappointed.

You mention West's other film, The House of the Devil. That one I liked a lot.

[–] Erting (201) 2 years ago

Yes, The House of the Devil is my favorite Ti West film. For a reference comparison to Pearl and X, I would give The House of the Devil an 8 out of 10. I think West is a very talented director, but I'm still waiting for him to make that one complete horror masterpiece. Each of his movies has a significant flaw or two that hold them back from being genre classics.

[–] acidraindrop (3055) 2 years ago

I actually think Pearl is the superior film. X was excellent, but Pearl aspires to be more, and I think it achieves that. And as you said, Mia Goth absolutely shines. That monologue...and that closing scene. That closing shot is gonna stay with me for a while. That was incredible.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

Agreed. I prefer Pearl too.

[–] TheArgentinian (6484) a year ago

There's more depth than X but X is more entertaining. So I'm not surprised it's more liked.

[–] javie (2203) a year ago

It's taken a toll on us