In the latest installment of Ti West’s horror trilogy, MaXXXine, the camera is portrayed as a weapon with sexual undertones, granting power to those who wield it. The film delves into Hollywood’s obsession with beautiful young women, focusing on Maxine Minx, played by Mia Goth, who is determined to achieve stardom on her own terms.
Set in 1985 Los Angeles during the Satanic Panic era, the film portrays a gritty and neon-lit city, paying homage to noir thrillers of the ’70s and ’80s. Maxine, a former porn star, is now trying to make it big in B-movies, but her past comes back to haunt her when a series of murders start happening around her.
One of the key themes of MaXXXine is the relationship between auteur and muse, blurred by the character of Maxine herself. The film explores the exploitation of women in the film industry, with Maxine and other female characters speaking with heavy accents that emphasize their humble origins. Even the female director, Elizabeth, sees Maxine as a consumable good, pushing her to generate controversy for the film.
As the story unfolds, Maxine refuses to be a passive victim and takes control of her own narrative. The film subverts the “final girl” trope common in slasher films, adding depth to its examination of auteurs and muses. Maxine’s actions, including orchestrating murders to protect her career, showcase her agency and determination to succeed in a cutthroat industry.
Ultimately, MaXXXine celebrates the muse’s influence and power, highlighting the resilience and strength of women in the face of exploitation and violence. Maxine’s journey from victim to victor serves as a powerful commentary on the darker side of fame and the lengths some are willing to go to achieve it.