Jacked In Reviews ‘Pearl’ (2023)

As we open on a quaint barn in the countryside, we realize this seems awfully familiar. However, it’s too bright, vibrant and not to mention, clean, to allow our brains to connect the dots for where we’ve seen this farm before. It’s only when we see a helpless goose perish at the end of a pitchfork – before being fed to an alligator – do we realize that we are being transported back several decades to witness the trials and tribulations of X’s much younger (but just as crazy), Pearl.

Moving away from a nod to 70s horror, we now find ourselves in the year 1918 with a style that isn’t too dissimilar to The Wizard of Oz – only, imagine Dorothy never leaves Kansas and is an absolute psychopath. With a high contrast in the movie’s colour palette, despite the minimalist, rural setting, everything looks positively gorgeous. Not to mention this makes the red throughout the movie truly blossom, both through Mia Goth’s wardrobe and of course, the more violent segments.

You’ll often hear pros and cons regarding which order to watch a prequel but watching this movie after its predecessor is certainly advised. Not only to allow you to enter the movie with an already acquired intrigue for how a deranged old dear came to be, but it also laces the whole movie with a sense of sadness, as we know how the story – of this individual who dreams of being a star – ends.

Goth brings such an intense, authenticity to the role.

No longer hidden behind prosthetics or restricted by her advancing years, Goth brings such an intense, authenticity to the role. With something as simple as a smile (that goes on for quite a hauntingly, inordinate amount of time), the craziness of her character truly shines.

In terms of tone, pacing, and story (and obviously, the location), it can be said that X shares a lot of similar qualities with Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. When telling these stories, it seems director, Ti West is encompassing the styles of the decades in which his films are situated. For that reason, it’s important to note that Pearl can’t be compared to X, as a barbecue is to a roast, the flavour is completely different.

Not only is it refreshing two see two very unique instalments within the same franchise but it’s definitely fair to say that anticipation is already building West’s third instalment and its ’80s setting… MaXXXine.

---