Maxine Minx was once a young girl whose preacher father encouraged her to pursue a life in service to the lord, but she ended up becoming a porn star. Wanting to break into mainstream cinema, she heads to Hollywood. Upon getting a role in a horror film, she discovers that Hollywood is being shaken by mysterious killings and disappearances, with many of Maxine’s associates ending up dead. Who is this mysterious killer, and will Maxine be the next target?
A24 has a knack for putting out truly unique films that are among the best out there today; if there’s ever a screening for something coming out from this company, this critic will be all over it, whether it’s a quirky comedy, a gory horror film, or something in between. MAXXXINE is the latest release from A24, which is apparently part of a trilogy that I had no idea existed (the other installments in it weren’t screened for critics here in Vegas). But I’m pleased to say that no knowledge of the other films is required; MAXXXINE is largely a standalone work despite being part of a larger cinematic universe. With its period detail, atmosphere, and soundtrack, plus great casting and a gripping plot that doesn’t shy away from darker elements, it’s truly one of the biggest and best surprises of 2024 in cinema so far.
I love period pieces, and MAXXXINE’s 1985 Sunset Strip setting definitely puts it a cut above the rest. The sleaze of the setting, from porn stars and strippers to a great 80s soundtrack including cuts from groups like Ratt, totally seals the deal. Even the opening montage is a great flashback to this era, including elements like Dee Snider tearing the PMRC a new one. Many of the best films out there are the ones set in the Hollywood of the past, and MAXXINE reeks of style in its production in every single scene. The fact that it doesn’t sacrifice style for substance is an even greater plus.
The casting is just as good. Mia Goth portrays the title character, and despite her line of work, the film never depicts her as one-dimensional or helpless; watching her put the hurt on a would-be predator in a Charlie Chaplin costume got plenty of loud and enthusiastic reacts from the audience I saw the film with. Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale steal the show as two bickering detectives with great chemistry (seriously, these characters deserve their own movie), Giancarlo Esposito as Maxine’s agent who’ll go to great lengths to protect her client, and a sleazy private eye played by a barely recognizable Kevin Bacon. Everyone’s performances are perfect here.
While I will admit that the pacing does falter in a few places (it’s maybe about 10 minutes too long) and there’s a few more characters than this story needed, MAXXXINE is brilliant storytelling with great performances, and when the revelations come at the end, they don’t feel forced or contrived. This movie came out of nowhere with its electrifying soundtracks, period detail, and cast to pleasantly surprise me and stand as one of the best films of 2024 so far. Highly recommended!