X is exactly what you hope for in a well-crafted slasher—and these days, that’s already saying a lot. Ti West revives the 1970s essence of the genre, with its gritty texture, deliberate pacing, and that mix of sex, violence, and tension so many recent attempts have forgotten. There’s no fear of splattering the screen with blood, but also no hesitation in adding dark humor and building characters who, while rooted in archetypes, feel more engaging than usual.
The atmosphere is spot-on: period music, grindhouse aesthetics, and a steadily rising tension that turns downright uncomfortable. West knows how to play with suspense, alternating moments of deceptively calm pauses with bursts of graphic violence that jolt the viewer. The gore is well-judged—enough to shock without feeling gratuitous—and the camerawork conveys both the sensuality and the danger surrounding the story.
The cast shines, with a magnetic Mia Goth owning the film and an ensemble that fully grasps the project’s tone. Each performer adds something to the game of seduction and death set up by the script. And while it doesn’t reinvent the genre, X reminds us why slasher became a classic in the first place: when done right, it entertains, scares, and leaves an unsettling aftertaste long after the credits roll.
In short, it’s a bloody, stylish feast—an homage that doesn’t just copy, but revives the energy of an era and channels it into horror that feels alive. A gift for anyone who thought slasher had nothing left to offer.
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