Pearl (2022)

Have you seen the elevated horror movie, X? The director, Ti West, has made a prequel that is on at the cinemas right now! It’s called PEARL. PEARL is a slasher film that tells the origin story of a young woman who becomes a serial killer in pursuit of fame and glory. Set in 1918, Pearl lives on a farm with her abusive mother and paralysed father while her husband is away at war. She dreams of becoming a movie star and escapes to the cinema whenever possible. There, she meets a projectionist who shows her a forbidden film and sparks her sexual awakening. She also learns of an audition for a travelling troupe of dancers and decides to try out. However, her mother discovers her plans and tries to stop her, leading to a violent confrontation that unleashes Pearl’s inner demons. Pearl then goes on a bloody rampage, killing anyone to achieve stardom.

The film’s director, Ti West, is known for his unique blend of horror and suspense. PEARL is no exception; it’s a gripping story. The cinematography is stunning, and the visuals are hauntingly beautiful. All the actors’ performances are excellent, particularly Mia Goth as Pearl. Her transformation from a naive young girl to a cold-blooded killer is chilling and captivating. The soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of classical and electronic music that enhances the atmosphere.

West has said he wanted to explore the idea of fame and its consequences in this film. He believes great power comes with great responsibility, but sometimes people become so obsessed with achieving the goals that they forget morality and ethics. Pearl’s story exemplifies this; she will do anything to reach her dream – even if it means taking lives. 

The themes explored in PEARL are timely and relevant, particularly in the era of social media. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and how it can corrupt someone if they become consumed by its power. The film also explores themes of violence against women, as well as issues of mental health. 

PEARL is a slow-burn, intense horror movie that gradually escalates to a shocking conclusion. With stunning visuals, excellent performances, and a thought-provoking story, it’s sure to be a hit with horror fans. Don’t miss out on this one!

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.) 

PS: I’ve mentioned the concept of elevated horror at the beginning of this review. I only became aware of the term recently, and it refers to horror movies that don’t rely on jump-scares or gore to scare you (although there are certainly some of those in these movies). Psychological manipulation takes precedence over jump scares and gratuitous violence. Elevated horror uses metaphors and allegories to comment on society, history, politics, and other topical issues.