MaXXXine marks the conclusion of Ti West's unlikely horror trilogy (although MaXXXine is much more of a thriller than horror). It started with X's release in 2022, followed by Pearl later that year – the two films were shot back-to-back in secret. Both films turned out to be hits, so fans were delighted when the first teaser trailer was released for MaXXXine in September, shortly after Pearl's premiere. Exceptional marketing is one thing, but how does writer-director Ti West sew up the trilogy?

Six years after the events of X, Maxine Minx has made a name for herself in the adult film industry, but she has her sights set on stardom in mainstream Hollywood. Set against the backdrop of 1985 Los Angeles, the skeletons from Maxine's past threaten to return and destroy everything she's worked for, all while battling the threat of the serial killer Night Stalker.

Let's get the big one out of the way first: Mia Goth is a STAR. Or, as Maxine would say, she's a "damn movie star". To say that Goth has delivered over the trilogy might be the understatement of the century. She pulled double duty in X, playing both Maxine and the older Pearl. Nailed both. Then as the title character in Pearl she had a completely different character, although that version of Pearl definitely had some similarities to Maxine. Everything she was asked to do through the first two films she has done and she has been perfect.

And it continues with MaXXXine. Goth is incredible in the role, with a commanding presence every second she's on screen – which is almost the entire runtime. With some of the film's flaws, this was a critical performance to its overall success. It might not even have come close to working if not for Goth.