‘Pearl’ a suspenseful, creepy thrill ride

Earlier this year, small studio A24 released the small horror movie, ‘X.’

Even though it was a box office success ($14 million with a $1 million budget) that went under the radar, the horror flick ultimately became a cult hit and also received decent reviews from critics and viewing audiences.

Now, horror director Ti West gives us the origin story for the predecessor’s villain Pearl.

Filmmaker Ti West returns with another chapter from the twisted world of ‘X,’ in this terrifying follow-up to the year’s acclaimed horror film.

Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother.

Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the pictures, Pearl finds her ambitions, temptations, and repressions all colliding in this thrilling origin story of ‘X’s’ now iconic villain.

Just like most horror films out there (and that includes the film ‘X’), ‘Pearl’ isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. This second entry of the A24 ‘X’ franchise delivers a lot of good scares and some really intense moments.

This thrilling horror flick from A24 can be a little uneasy to watch at times. Indeed, ‘Pearl’ can be a little slow-paced during a few segments. But the slow pace actually works as it shows how the lead character of Pearl slowly descends into madness and ultimately becomes the weird crazed woman shown in ‘X.’

Actress Mia Goth, who also portrayed Pearl in the film’s predecessor under a lot of makeup, actually gives one of the best performances I have ever seen in a horror movie in some time. One minute she can be very sympathetic and can actually make you feel for the character. And, the next minute, she can be deep on the creepy side and then you definitely don’t feel for the character.

The scares and thrills are quite effective in this movie. The movie’s third act is extremely tense and shocking. And, yes, this horror feature can get a tad on the gory side.

Now, this likely won’t become a huge horror hit. But it will likely become a horror cult hit (like ‘X,’ ‘Hereditary’ and ‘Midsommar’ as examples). You don’t necessarily have to see the first movie (‘X’) to fully understand this movie, but it could help you understand what the Pearl character is slowly becoming. The cast: Mia Goth as Pearl; Emma Jenkins-Purro as Misty; David Corenswet as The Projectionist; Tandi Wright as Ruth; Matthew Sunderland as Pearl’s Father and Alistair Sewell as Howard.

‘Pearl’ is written by Mia Goth (screen-writing debut) and Ti West, and also directed by West (X; The Innkeepers; Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever).

‘Pearl’ was actually secretly filmed at the same time as its predecessor, which is how both movies were able to be released the same year. Mia Goth will reprise her other ‘X’ role of Maxine in the recently announced third installment of the series, a direct sequel to ‘X.’

‘Pearl’ is rated R for some strong violence, gore, strong sexual content and graphic nudity and has a running time of 102 minutes.