X - The scoop and digest

After the impressive Western In a Valley of Violence, writer, producer and director Ti West returns to horror roots.

Mia Goth - Maxine/Pearl

Jenna Ortega - Lorraine

Martin Henderson - Wayne

Scott Mescudi - Jackson

Brittany Snow - Bobby-Lynne

Owen Campbell - RJ

Stephen Ure - Howard

Summary

In 1979, a group of young filmmakers rent a barn and begin making pornographic film The Farmer's Daughters, with owners Howard and Pearl blissfully aware.

During the night, Pearl watches Maxine having relations with Jackson, lighting the blue touch paper.

Post-credits

A trailer for Pearl is shown, confirmed to be set in 1918.

Sex and schlock

Not his finest work, but runs The House of the Devil a close second.

Unlike your typical slasher, characters actually have depth, particularly the villains.

While we're on the subject, I couldn't help comparing old timers to Jack and Marguerite Baker of Resident Evil VII: Biohazard fame.

(Laughs).

Build up smoulders, with the final 40 minutes or so drenched in gory pay off.

However, sound design, cinematography, atmosphere and tension eclipses all that.

Although set up was very predictable, my favourite kill was Pearl pushing Bobby-Lynne into a lake, where blonde bitch is devoured by an alligator.

Finally, I'd like to think Wayne's eyeball losing argument with pitchfork pays homage to infamous wood splinter in Zombie Flesh Eaters (one of its many titles).

Oh, Lucio Fulci's classic was released in 1979.

Coincidence?

Whatever, bring on prequel.