Horror movies to see before Maxxxine
Horror movie hounds, listen up! Ti West’s X Trilogy has solidified its place as an iconic franchise in today’s horror landscape. West’s talent for crafting character-driven, slow-burn horror stories that leave a lasting impression on viewers is on full display in the trilogy. More than that, he’s a valuable homage director. Paving his own way to retro pop culture, he is known for capturing niches from classic horrors.
Excitement and suspense brew among horror fans worldwide with news of a third installment, Maxxxine. Details about the plot are scarce. But we know that the film is set in 1980s Los Angeles, a time and place of opulence and debauchery. Also, the film’s title character, Maxxxine, is a rising star with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. However, given how our beloved character underwent bloody, tough times, Maxxxine’s journey to stardom will not be a walk in the park. We would likely see her navigate the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry.
We can feel your excitement bubbling over for the conclusion of West’s trilogy. Don’t worry, we got you! Here’s a list of horror films that capture some of the makings that made the first two X installments so memorable. These horror movies are sure to satisfy your appetite and keep you on the edge of your seat until the release of Maxxxine.
Slasher movies to see before Maxxxine
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | Entertainment Weekly | Image
Oh, the quintessential slasher film! In this horror classic, a group of friends heads to rural Texas to pay respects to their grandfather’s grave and childhood home, only to be ensnared by a disturbed family of cannibals. Renowned for its skillful use of tension, character development, sound, and set design, it stood the test of time.
The pent-up anxiety in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is mainly rooted in the family of outcasts that Sally and her companions encounter. Their erratic and inexplicable behavior is particularly unnerving in a town where everyone seems disconnected from one another. Just like X, the film boasts an iconic final girl. Sally pulls off one of the most unforgettable escapes in horror history. If you have yet to witness this masterful work, do yourself a favor and see it immediately.
Audition (1999)
Audition | IMDb | Image
Next on our list is Audition. It follows the story of Aoyama, a company executive, and widower, who holds auditions to find an actress. Unbeknownst to the contestants, he is actually searching for a wife! While reviewing resumes beforehand, he becomes captivated by Yamazaki Asami, a talented young woman with a background in ballet. Audition is a whirlwind of hallucinations and sensational brutality. However, at its core, it is a film about the extremes of love and romance.
Fans of Pearl may notice similarities between the relationship between Aoyama and Asami and the romance depicted in Pearl. Both feature one character idealizing the other while the other keeps a certain distance and observes more carefully. You can indulge in Asami’s demonic rage, which offers a cathartic experience similar to Pearl’s release from her repressed feelings. Audition also provides an opportunity to explore extreme J-horror.
Fade to Black (1980)
Fade to Black | Mubi | Image
Obsession, like in Pearl, can lead to dangerous situations in Fade to Black. In the film, a shy and lonely film buff goes on a killing spree against those who belittle and betray him, while also stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike. The movie is filled with references to classic cinema as the film-obsessed killer, Eric, takes on the persona of various characters from past films.
What makes Fade to Black compelling is its similarity to Pearl. The protagonist delivers a haunting and desperate performance that elicits pity, even when he gradually morphs into a maniac. The film portrays the protagonist’s descent into madness in a petrifying manner while maintaining a level of personality and drama. Just as Pearl sees cinema as an escape from reality, Fade to Black uses cinema as a coping mechanism, which is a relatable factor for some viewers. This underseen slasher is definitely worth watching and reviewing.
Curtains (1983)
Curtains | Mubi | Image
Before Maxxxine, another lesser-known slasher that you should watch is Curtains. The film follows a group of actresses who are auditioning for a role in a new film by a prestigious director. However, things take a dark turn when a masked killer starts stalking and killing the hopefuls. Set in a mansion on snowy land on the outskirts of town, the tension runs high in this suffocating terrain.
What makes this horror movie compelling to watch is how it turns its messy setup into a psychological web of horror for the audience to unravel. Curtains shed light on the predicament of actresses and continually obscure the lines between reality and fiction. It also addresses the case of misogyny in the show business industry. Probably one of the most creative slashers from the past, I highly recommend Curtains to anyone who is already an ardent fan of the sub-genre.
Misery (1990)
Misery | Mubi | Image
And we can’t conclude our list of obsession-themed movies without mentioning Misery. The film follows novelist Paul Sheldon, who crashes his car on a snowy Colorado road and is rescued by Annie Wilkes, the “number one fan” of Paul’s fictional character Misery Chastaine. Crippled and drugged, Paul must find a way to escape from the clutches of this smitten devotee.
Even after years since its release, Misery still stands as one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date. Working more as a psychological horror movie, it is a masterwork of atmospheric terror with the apparent isolation of Annie Wilkes’ house and the entrapment of Paul Sheldon. The film also unveils the unsettling nature of mania and fandom. The film truly captures the lengths to which obsessive individuals will go to achieve their desires.
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