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Summary
Whether you’re revisitingXandPearlor diving in for the first time, this streaming milestone presents the perfect opportunity to experience the saga from the beginning. And withMaXXXinealready on the streamer, having easy access to the first two films ensures that fans are fully caught up before they watch the newest addition to the trilogy, if they weren’t able to check it out in theaters.
Pearl: The Birth of a Killer
Released in 2022 as a prequel toX,Pearlserves as a chilling origin storyfor its titular character, played masterfully by Mia Goth. Unlike the dark, grimy slasher tone ofX,Pearltakes a unique stylistic approach, embracing the vibrant, Technicolor aesthetic of old Hollywood films. However, beneath the saturated colors and sweeping cinematography lies a deeply unsettling psychological horror story.
Set in 1918,Pearlfollows a young womantrapped on her family’s rural farm, suffocating under the weight of her strict, overbearing mother and the responsibility of caring for her ill father. Pearl dreams of a glamorous life in show business, idolizing the silent film stars she sees on the big screen. But as she faces rejection, repression, and the harsh realities of her mundane existence, her fragile mind begins to unravel, setting her on a bloody path of destruction.
One of the standout elements ofPearlisMia Goth’s powerhouse performance. She delivers a character study that is both tragic and terrifying, particularly in the film’s haunting final monologue—a raw, unbroken take where Pearl confesses her inner torment. This moment cements Goth as one of the most compelling horror actors of her generation and adds an extra layer of depth to the film’s already disturbing narrative.
How Pearl Connects to X and MaXXXine
WhilePearlcan be enjoyed as a standalonehorror film, it is also a crucial part of Ti West’s larger vision. The events ofPearllay the foundation for what transpires inX, where an elderly version of Pearl, now bitter and obsessed with lost youth, terrorizes a group of young filmmakers staying on her farm in 1979.
WatchingPearlafterXgives audiences a deeper understandingof the character’s motivations. InX, Pearl is envious of the younger generation’s beauty and freedom, a stark contrast to the dreams of youth she once held herself. The prequel allows viewers to see where that jealousy began, making her descent into violence all the more tragic.
The trilogy’s final installment,MaXXXine, shifts the focus back to Maxine Minx, the lone survivor ofX. Taking place in the 1980s,MaXXXinefollows her journeyas she attempts to make it big in Hollywood, continuing the series’ themes of fame, ambition, and survival. While Pearl herself will not be part ofMaXXXine, her influence looms over the franchise, as her obsession with stardom mirrors Maxine’s own aspirations.
All three films being on the Max is especially valuable givenhow fragmented horror franchisescan be on streaming platforms. Many beloved horror series, fromHalloweentoScream, are scattered across different services, making it difficult to watch them in order. Max securing all three of Ti West’s films allows the trilogy to be appreciated as a cohesive, interconnected story.
The Perfect Time for a Horror Marathon
WithPearlofficially joiningXand MaXXXineon Max on February 16, there’s will be no better time to immerse yourself in Ti West’s slasher universe. Whether you’re revisiting the films to catch new details or experiencing them for the first time, having them in one place makes for an ideal horror binge session.
For those who missedXandPearlin theaters, this is the perfect chance to see why these films have been so widely praised. And for longtime fans, it’s an opportunity to rewatch the series inpreparation forMaXXXine. The trilogy is a masterclass in horror filmmaking, combining rich storytelling, unforgettable performances, and a unique visual style that sets it apart from other modern horror franchises.
The arrival ofPearlon Max is more than just a convenience—it’s a major win for horror fans. TheXtrilogy is a rare example of modern horror storytelling done right, with each film enhancing the other in meaningful ways. HavingX,Pearland MaXXXine available on the same platform means audiences can experience the full scope of the narrative without having to search across multiple streaming services.
