February 16 Is Going To Be A Big Day For Max Horror Fans

Horror fans who subscribe to Max have something major to look forward to on February 16—Pearl is finally arriving on the streaming platform. With this addition, Ti West’s acclaimed horror trilogy—X, Pearl, and the upcoming MaXXXine—will be fully available in one place for the first time. This is a huge deal for horror lovers, as these films have quickly become some of the most talked-about entries in the genre, blending slasher thrills with psychological depth and striking visual styles.

Whether you’re revisiting X and Pearl or diving in for the first time, this streaming milestone presents the perfect opportunity to experience the saga from the beginning. And with MaXXXine already on the streamer, having easy access to the first two films ensures that fans are fully caught up before they watch the newest addition to the trilogy, if they weren’t able to check it out in theaters.

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Pearl: The Birth of a Killer

Released in 2022 as a prequel to X, Pearl serves as a chilling origin story for its titular character, played masterfully by Mia Goth. Unlike the dark, grimy slasher tone of X, Pearl takes a unique stylistic approach, embracing the vibrant, Technicolor aesthetic of old Hollywood films. However, beneath the saturated colors and sweeping cinematography lies a deeply unsettling psychological horror story.

Set in 1918, Pearl follows a young woman trapped on her family’s rural farm, suffocating under the weight of her strict, overbearing mother and the responsibility of caring for her ill father. Pearl dreams of a glamorous life in show business, idolizing the silent film stars she sees on the big screen. But as she faces rejection, repression, and the harsh realities of her mundane existence, her fragile mind begins to unravel, setting her on a bloody path of destruction.

One of the standout elements of Pearl is Mia Goth’s powerhouse performance. She delivers a character study that is both tragic and terrifying, particularly in the film’s haunting final monologue—a raw, unbroken take where Pearl confesses her inner torment. This moment cements Goth as one of the most compelling horror actors of her generation and adds an extra layer of depth to the film’s already disturbing narrative.

How Pearl Connects to X and MaXXXine

While Pearl can be enjoyed as a standalone horror film, it is also a crucial part of Ti West’s larger vision. The events of Pearl lay the foundation for what transpires in X, where an elderly version of Pearl, now bitter and obsessed with lost youth, terrorizes a group of young filmmakers staying on her farm in 1979.

Watching Pearl after X gives audiences a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations. In X, Pearl is envious of the younger generation’s beauty and freedom, a stark contrast to the dreams of youth she once held herself. The prequel allows viewers to see where that jealousy began, making her descent into violence all the more tragic.

The trilogy’s final installment, MaXXXine, shifts the focus back to Maxine Minx, the lone survivor of X. Taking place in the 1980s, MaXXXine follows her journey as she attempts to make it big in Hollywood, continuing the series’ themes of fame, ambition, and survival. While Pearl herself will not be part of MaXXXine, her influence looms over the franchise, as her obsession with stardom mirrors Maxine’s own aspirations.

All three films being on the Max is especially valuable given how fragmented horror franchises can be on streaming platforms. Many beloved horror series, from Halloween to Scream, are scattered across different services, making it difficult to watch them in order. Max securing all three of Ti West’s films allows the trilogy to be appreciated as a cohesive, interconnected story.

The Perfect Time for a Horror Marathon

With Pearl officially joining X and MaXXXine on Max on February 16, there’s will be no better time to immerse yourself in Ti West’s slasher universe. Whether you’re revisiting the films to catch new details or experiencing them for the first time, having them in one place makes for an ideal horror binge session.

For those who missed X and Pearl in theaters, this is the perfect chance to see why these films have been so widely praised. And for longtime fans, it’s an opportunity to rewatch the series in preparation for MaXXXine. The trilogy is a masterclass in horror filmmaking, combining rich storytelling, unforgettable performances, and a unique visual style that sets it apart from other modern horror franchises.

The arrival of Pearl on Max is more than just a convenience—it’s a major win for horror fans. The X trilogy is a rare example of modern horror storytelling done right, with each film enhancing the other in meaningful ways. Having X, Pearl and MaXXXine available on the same platform means audiences can experience the full scope of the narrative without having to search across multiple streaming services.

Pearl

Release Date

September 16, 2022

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

Ti West

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