MaXXXine (2024)

"In this business, until you're known as a monster, you're not a star." -Bette Davis

The third in the "X" series, though it is not necessary to watch every entry in order to follow along. While the first movie was an homage to '70s slasher flicks and the second was a dark melodrama reminiscent of 1950s Douglas Sirk, this third entry goes straight for the era of gaudy '80s excess with heavy giallo influences. 

Maxine arrives in Hollywood in 1985 in order to pursue her dreams of becoming a horror actress (and leave her sordid past behind). In the meanwhile, there is a leather-clad serial killer going around knocking off all her colleagues. Mia Goth once again steals the show as the young ingénue and proves to be the best part of this series, even though this entry features a lot of fun nods and peeks behind the curtain. 

Originally envisioned as a trilogy by creator Ti West, he now admits he's left it open to revisit in the future, though this film more or less provides a satisfying close.

3½ Bates Motels out of 5