Indie horror sensation returns: "MaXXXine" promises summer thrills

Two years ago, a low-budget "Pearl" production appeared in theatres. Some critics considered it an excellent horror film, while others saw it as a remarkable psychological drama. The film was hailed as one of the best independent cinema productions in recent years. Now, it is time for its sequel.

The story of this film cycle is extraordinary. Initially, a film titled "X" was made. It told the story of aspiring filmmakers from the 80s renting a house in a remote area of Texas to shoot their first pornographic film. The eccentric and elderly hosts of the house quickly become intrigued by their guests, and their curiosity soon turns into a dangerous obsession. The slasher received good reviews but did not revolutionise cinema.

A few months later, "Pearl" – a prequel to "X" – hit the screens. Its action takes place in 1918. The main character lives on a farm in Texas with her paralysed father and despotic mother. She dreams of escaping the province and becoming a star. Critics emphasised that Pearl's story is not only about dreams and ambitions but also about descending into madness. What truly chills the blood here is the protagonist's face, rapidly changing from a rosy, friendly child's face to a distorted madwoman's visage wielding a pitchfork - emphasized critics/

"Pearl" was showered with awards. It won, among others, the Saturn Award for Best Independent Film. Mia Goth, the co-screenwriter and lead actress, drew the most attention. Reviewers noted that such a villain hasn't been seen in years. The film did not lack references to classics, and since one of the props used by the protagonist is an axe, comparisons to Jack Nicholson's famous role from "The Shining" emerged.

Hollywood stars in the third part

The final part of the trilogy is titled "MaXXXine." The action moves to contemporary times – Maxine (Mia Goth), the sole survivor of the massacre on the farm, continues her journey towards an acting career in the adult film industry. In the third part, viewers will see her in Los Angeles, where she will meet real Hollywood stars: Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Elizabeth Debicki, and Lily Collins. Such a cast in an independent production indicates the high esteem in which the first two parts of the cycle are held.

The world and UK premieres of "MaXXXine" are scheduled for 5 July. The new trailer for the film, which had nearly 1.4 million views within a dozen hours, is already available online. According to movie market analysts, this independent film could become an unexpected hit of the summer season.