Friday 17 March 2023

Pearl - The scoop and digest

Six months after its American release, the UK finally gets Ti West's X prequel, with screenplay co-written by leading lady.

Mia Goth - Pearl
David Corenswet - Projectionist
Tandi Wright - Ruth
Matthew Sunderland - Father
Emma Jenkins-Purro - Mitsy
Alistair Sewell - Howard

Summary

During the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, Pearl lives on a farm with her strict mother and infirm wheelchair-bound father.

Inspired by fictitious film Palace Follies, she dreams of becoming a chorus girl.

Cinema's projectionist takes a shine to her, which is eventually reciprocated.

But as the stress of home life intensifies, Pearl snaps.

Twisted beginnings

Fucked up and particularly brutal, it's another beautifully constructed effort.

Elements of The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre are there for all to see.

I also noted the influence of Joker and Carrie.

As end credits roll, Goth holding creepy grin for several minutes mesmerises.

Will director's fascination with alligator and pitchfork continue in MaXXXine?

Let's hope question is answered sooner rather than later.

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