X * * * *

 This Horror film has been getting positive reviews, and with good reason.

If it took itself a little more seriously I might have given it 5 stars, but self mocking is one of the most endearing qualities of Horror and X simply cannot suppress its giggles from time to time, thus making me feel silly should I be analytical.  Nevertheless, it does deal with subjects that are unusual, bold and moving.  

"Hush now", says Mia.   "The reviewer
 is actually thinking this time".

I guess making and selling porn in the 1970's wasn't so easy. Nowadays it seems anyone with a mobile phone can upload their latest "session" for the world to see: (whilst giving themselves something to regret later in life, probably).

Set in 1979 X is the story of a group of six people who rent a cabin in rural Texas to shoot "The Farmers Daughter", a typical 1970's porno. There are six in the crew: three porn stars, a cameraman and his girlfriend assistant, and the producer. 

At times it's like watching porn or horror from that period. The porn film is grainy and in square format. 

 The cabin they rent is set close to the owners house.  The owners, Howard and Pearl, are a very old couple, somewhat senile and pining for the loss of their own sexual attractiveness. 

X is quite fascinating in the way it explores this issue, especially Pearl with her obsession with the youthful beauty of one of the porn stars Maxine (Mia Goth who interestingly plays both roles).

On the porn set we see the cameraman's girlfriend is new to the world of porn and is teased for her prudishness. But on the night after the first day of shooting, she announces that she too wants to be in the movie, which is an interesting modern theme as she asserts her own sexuality, and her right to own and express it as she wishes: but her boyfriend/cameraman can't handle it.  

In the middle of the night he decides to leave.  "Not so fast", says dear old Pearl, standing ghostlike in the headlights of his vehicle, dressed in a white nightgown, her long white hair let down, "Don't Fear The Reaper" playing on the radio in the vehicle.  It's quite a scene!  Thus the bloody mayhem commences. 

But even in the midst of it all, X never forgets it's initial theme. The pacing is almost symphonic.  For instance, is a geriatric old couple, taking the time out from killing people to make love, whilst a young porn star cowers under their bed a good scene? Personally, I thought it was brilliant.  

Likewise the face in the window, the car in the lake (homage to Psycho), the hungry alligator, the basement (always the basement), and the Christian Evangelist on the black and white television barking his sermon as the murders continue.  And just wait till you hear the revelation he comes up with!  

Go see. It's frighteningly good.