What to watch next if you liked MaXXXine
"MaXXXine," the latest installment in Ti West's trilogy, has burst onto screens, immersing audiences in a horror experience like never before. This particular film delves deep into the rich tapestry of cinema history, paying homage to various influential movies. Here, we explore five key films that served as fundamental inspirations for the creation of "MaXXXine." This is reported by SSP.
Before we proceed, please note that we will be discussing plot details, so consider this your mild spoiler warning.
1. "Psycho" (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Psycho" garners obvious recognition within "MaXXXine." Two pivotal scenes take place at the cherished Bates house, adjacent to the famed Bates Motel. Firstly, the director Elizabeth Bender (portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) brings Maxine (played by Mia Goth) to the set to discuss their imminent project. It is during this encounter that Maxine encounters the ghostly presence of Pearl. Secondly, Maxine finds herself being followed by the morally compromised private investigator Labat (Kevin Bacon) on the backlot, concluding their chase at the Bates house. Both instances cleverly intertwine with the plot, reinforcing the film's underlying theme of Hollywood's corruptive influence.
2. "Tenebrae" (1982)
A significant narrative element within "MaXXXine" revolves around a gripping whodunit storyline, with an unseen killer relentlessly stalking its protagonists. This characteristic is characteristic of the Italian horror subgenre "giallo," which represents graphic violence paired with black-gloved murderers. For fans treading similar eerie paths as "MaXXXine," Dario Argento's masterpiece "Tenebrae" offers the quintessential choice. Featuring an American author perceiving unraveling mysteries closely mirroring his novel, this film boasts a playfully meta approach that delights thriller enthusiasts.
3. "Body Double" (1984)
Within "MaXXXine," numerous references to Brian De Palma's works are sprinkled throughout, particularly highlighted by the use of split screens and extensive point-of-view shots. In terms of parallel content, "Body Double" draws striking similarities. Both films delve into the interface between mainstream cinema and the darker realms of pornography. Furthermore, a pivotal scene in "MaXXXine," synchronized with Frankie Goes to Hollywood's iconic song "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" from their 1984 album, strongly resonates with the memorable set piece tied to "Relax" in "Body Double." Moreover, both films ingeniously incorporate movies-within-movies, sharing the vein of low-budget horror productions.
4. "8 Million Ways to Die" (1986)
Although specific, this reference significantly contributes to "MaXXXine's" identity. In Hal Ashby's final film, a powerful villain resides in an opulent home fitted with a funicular for exclusive access. Drawing inspiration from this exquisite cinematic element, West cleverly integrates a villain in an equally magnificent abode reachable only by gondola (referred to as a "gondola" in the film), allowing its visual impact to evoke a sense of menace and admiration alike. For devoted "8 Million Ways to Die" fans, this reference resonates as a thrilling Easter egg worth celebrating.
5. "The Witch" (2015)'
The protagonist Maxine, while working on her current film "The Puritan II," encounters intriguing correlations with the previous installment "Pearl." Observant viewers will notice glimpses of World War I soldier extras, aligning with events from "Pearl." However, the reference extends further, with "The Puritan" mimicking Robert Eggers' chilling 2015 masterpiece, "The Witch." This connection gains added depth as both films belong to the A24 filmography. "The Puritan" encapsulates a young woman (Lily Collins) immersed in puritan times, captivated by sinister influences. The symbolism becomes particularly captivating with the image of Collins biting into a blood-filled apple, reminiscent of "The Witch's" distinct atmosphere.
