X Movie Explained: Was Maxine A Killer In X? (2025)

X is a 2022 slasher film written, directed, produced, and edited by Ti West. The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 13, 2022, and was theatrically released in the United States on March 18, 2022, by A24.

Pearl, the prequel to the hit movie X, was released in September 2022 and received high praise from horror enthusiasts. Goth’s outstanding performance and her character’s compelling backstory were among the reasons that contributed to the film’s success. X’s terrifying and unforgettable final scenes also played a significant role in captivating fans of the horror genre.

In a remote area of Texas, a troupe of actors covertly arrive at the residence of their secluded hosts to shoot an adult film. But when the elderly couple catches them in the act, the cast is forced to defend themselves and fight for their lives.

Read on to know all the FAQs about the movie!

What Was the Point of the Movie X?

In Ti West’s horror movie X, a group filming an adult movie at a remote estate continues despite sensing something strange. The atmosphere on set is eerie, and Maxine is concerned about her safety with Howard and Pearl.

X was a great horror movie with a strong cast and unexpected twists. It explores toxic relationships, including Lorraine’s realization that RJ doesn’t understand her and Maxine’s decision to sleep with Wayne for fame. Maxine’s courage in defending herself against Howard and Pearl’s rampage is captivating.

The movie also deals with bizarre foreshadowing throughout its narration.

For instance, Wayne says, “People’s eyes will pop out of their heads,” only for him to remove his eyes from the pitchfork. Bobby Lynn is initially seen leaving a building when a blonde woman is having an alligator pull her swimsuit off.

Jackson described how farmers in Vietnam had leveled their weapons at him. Howard made repeated references to his weak heart. A view of the van’s tires passing over cow dung early on resembles a shot of the tires passing over Pearl’s head after Maxine murders her.

What Does the Ending of the Movie X Mean?

Only two of the porn crew members survive in the X end, with Maxine sheltering under Howard and Pearl’s bed and Lorraine imprisoned in the farmhouse basement. Excited by the brutal killings they just perpetrated, Pearl and Howard engage in sexual activity, allowing Maxine to flee and locate Lorraine stealthily.

But when Maxine, played by Mia Goth, frees Lorraine from her incarceration in the basement, she does so hastily and unjustly, accusing her of being promiscuous for the atrocities that have occurred during the course of the film X. Attempting to flee the farmhouse on foot while frantic, lost, and Howard shoots distraught, Lorraine.

Howard subsequently experiences the heart attack he has long feared due to Lorraine’s death. Rattle in the climactic scene from the X films. Enraged by the loss of her husband and confidante, Pearl attempts to shoot Maxine with Howard’s shotgun, but the shotgun’s discharge pushes her backward and breaks her hip.

Maxine resolves to get revenge for her killed companions as Pearl is lying wounded on the ground pleading for assistance; with a particularly gruesome moment, Maxine reverses over the elderly Pearl’s head with RI’s van before fleeing the property at high speed.

Now that Maxine has been released, the question that arises is what her future holds, particularly in light of the fact that she is the preacher’s daughter, as seen in the conclusion of movie X.

Is Pearl the Old Lady in X?

Yes. Despite their age difference and violent tendencies, Pearl, played by Mia Goth in the film X, and Maxine share a crucial similarity. Pearl’s character serves as a clear foreshadowing of Maxine’s future events.

In the movie’s universe, Maxine and Pearl exhibit striking similarities. Maxine is determined to lead a life transcending her current situation and defies her preacher father’s control by pursuing a career as a world-renowned actress. Meanwhile, Pearl harbors similar aspirations but must confront her domineering mother to make her dreams a reality. The prologue reveals the common thread that unites these two characters in their pursuit of success.

Additionally, it is imperative to note that Pearl is slated to appear in an upcoming film, Ti West’s horror thriller X is preceded by Pearl, a film that premiered a few months prior. This movie delves into the backstory of X’s villain, the older adult portrayed by Mia Goth, in both films. Interestingly, the release of Pearl was kept under wraps until it hit theaters.

Was Maxine a Killer in X?

The killer in X was, rather, Pearl. Throughout the entirety of X, Pearl’s actions make it increasingly evident that she is motivated by jealousy rather than rage over her lack of sex, leading Pearl to want and kill RJ’s crew out of envy for their youth.

Pearl, the infamous murderer from the film, once dreamed of becoming a chorus girl. She finally gets the opportunity to audition but unfortunately doesn’t get the part. As the story unfolds, her family members are killed one by one,

Is Maxine a Final Girl?

Maxine, the sole survivor of the Farmhouse Massacre, fearlessly journeys to conquer Hollywood and become a successful actor in 1980s Los Angeles.

In the climax scene, Pearl’s strategy practically backfires when Maxine snags the keys to her getaway vehicle. The elderly woman has been blown into the front grass, and Maxine drives over her as she leaves.

X Movie Cast

• Mia Goth as Maxine Minx / Pearl
• Jenna Ortega as Lorraine
• Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne
• Scott Mescudi (KiD CuDi) as Jackson Hole
• Martin Henderson as Wayne Gilroy
• Owen Campbell as RJ Nichols
• Stephen Ure as Howard

Currently, you can watch “X” streaming on FuboTV, Paramount+ with Showtime, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, and Paramount+ Amazon Channel.

Are you also a fan of the gore genre? What was your favorite plot twist in the movie? Did any of the scenes give you a jumpscare?

How excited are you for Maxxxine, set to be released by 2024? Let us know down below!