While the first-century religious leader may not have anything explicitly to do with the production studios behind X, this still seemed like a weirdly appropriate introduction to the horror film, which West imbues with prominent themes of evangelical purity culture and religious trauma.
But when RJ arrives at the farmhouse, he finds that the property is in disrepair and the only inhabitant is a decrepit old woman (Sofia Vergara). The filmmakers quickly realize that they won’t be able to make their porn movie without her help. RJ offers her a job as a maid, but she’s not interested. She wants to stay and help make the movie.
The cast of “Bad Moms” brings their A-game for a special screening of the film at the Regal Cinemas in Hollywood on Saturday, May 12th. The cast and crew join forces to celebrate the release of the film with a screening and Q&A.
The group of actors who play the characters in this film are eclectic in their sensual pursuits. They are not from the rural, religious environment that they live in and are compelled to be discreet due to the callous nature of their host, Howard. A discovery of their ‘deviant’ sensual pursuits would have disastrous (and bloody) consequences.
The tension in X builds slowly but steadily, with focus mainly on character development and themes. Although no explicit horror takes place until the halfway point, a sense of eerie anticipation underscores the entire viewing experience. The hints-not-misdirection-that arrest our attention and urge questions leading into the slasher’s killings create a sense of suspense that urges us to pay closer attention. As X peels back these layers, we see clever and gory kills that shock and horrify and still delight in their absurdity.
In the opening scene of his new slasher film, West pays homage to the pioneers of the genre with a smart, squared-away camera angle. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is filled with contrasts and ideologies. For one, Goth’s fictional counterparts are rebellious and idealistic; while their counterparts in real life are often violent and lawless. This duality is what makes West’s film so unique – it takes on both sides of an issue, in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Pearl’s character is based on a televangelist who preaches in the town of Texas. The preacher’s teachings are based on biblical themes. This includes Pearl’s belief that she deserves a better life than she has.
The film explores the divide between generations, between the sexually liberated and sexually repressed. It is not for shock value, then, that X focuses on sex and pornography, as these central themes are set compellingly against West’s concept of oppressive religious ideology.
X is a new slasher film that deftly weaves a story of aging, sex, loss, and liberation in a world so affected by a conservative Christian belief system. The result is an exciting and thrilling horror movie that is poignant, meaningful, and one you won’t want to miss. ..
