I watched X and I really liked it! 4/5
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“X” is a blood-soaked ballet, a symphony of savagery that invites audiences to a world where horror meets artistry. Ti West, known for his expertise in the genre, weaves a tale that marries elements of exploitation cinema with a vivid visual style, resulting in a film that is both shocking and strangely beautiful.
The film opens with a promise of terror as we step into an abandoned theater, shrouded in mystery and echoes of its former glory. This decaying stage becomes the battleground for the macabre performances that unfold, setting the tone for a night of brutal retribution.
Ti West masterfully employs color and shadow to create a visual language that speaks volumes. The vivid reds, stark blacks, and haunting blues compose a palette that is both seductive and foreboding. The juxtaposition of elegance and brutality is a testament to West’s directorial prowess, as he orchestrates a dance of death that is as visually entrancing as it is gut-wrenching.
The ensemble cast is a revelation, fully committed to their roles as both dancers and unwitting participants in the theater of horrors. Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, and Brittany Snow deliver performances that range from vulnerable to vengeful, each embracing their character’s descent into madness with unwavering dedication. Their portrayal of the victims-turned-executioners is nothing short of mesmerizing.
“X” is unapologetically brutal, with scenes of violence choreographed to an almost poetic rhythm. The juxtaposition of elegant dance sequences with graphic brutality is a thematic choice that invites contemplation on the intersection of beauty and horror. West does not shy away from the visceral impact of his imagery, delivering moments that will undoubtedly linger in the viewer’s memory.
Beneath the blood-soaked surface lies a narrative that unfolds with calculated precision. As secrets are gradually revealed, alliances shift, and motivations are unmasked. The layers of deception and betrayal add depth to the film, elevating it beyond mere exploitation and into the realm of psychological horror.
“X” pays homage to the exploitation films of the ’70s and ’80s, embracing the unapologetic audacity of the genre. From its grainy cinematography to its gritty aesthetic, the film nods to its predecessors while infusing the formula with a modern sensibility. West’s reverence for the genre is evident, as he resurrects the spirit of exploitation cinema for a new era.
As “X” hurtles toward its climactic crescendo, the theater transforms into a Grand Guignol spectacle, a stage drenched in blood and bathed in surreal lighting. The culmination of violence and vengeance is a cathartic release, a culmination of the horrors that have been building throughout the film.
“X” is not a film for the faint of heart, nor is it a casual foray into horror. It is a visceral experience that demands both attention and introspection. Ti West’s unflinching vision, coupled with exceptional performances and a visual style that borders on hypnotic, results in a film that is as haunting as it is beautiful. For those willing to step into the darkness, “X” offers a brutal ballet that leaves an indelible mark.