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X

X 2022

Directed by

Ti West

Ti West

Made by

A24

A24

Test your knowledge of X with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of X (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In rural Texas during the chilling year of 1979, a shocking event unfolds as Sheriff Dentler (James Gaylyn) arrives at the scene of a gruesome crime. The sight is horrifying—an abandoned corpse lies beneath a cover in front of a house, with blood smeared across the porch. As Dentler approaches the interior of the house, a deputy urges him to witness something even more shocking, leaving him deeply unsettled.

One Day Earlier…

The narrative shifts to Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), an aspiring starlet who is preparing to journey to Houston, Texas, for the filming of an adult movie titled The Farmer’s Daughter. Accompanied by her boyfriend, the executive producer Wayne (Martin Henderson), she joins a lively crew including writer-director R.J. (Owen Campbell), his sound operator girlfriend Lorraine (Jenna Ortega), and the couple Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow) and Jackson ([Scott Mescudi]). Wayne affectionately nicknames Lorraine “Churchmouse,” hinting at her more conservative nature, while Bobby-Lynne and Jackson share intimate moments during the drive.

Upon arriving at the remote farmhouse set for their shoot, the crew is met with an unwelcoming reception from the elderly property owner, Howard (Stephen Ure), who confronts Wayne with a rifle. Despite previous arrangements, it becomes apparent that Howard is wary of the crew. As Maxine steps out of the van, she catches a glimpse of Howard’s wife, Pearl (also played by Mia Goth), who watches her closely from the window.

Before filming commences, Maxine encounters Pearl, who seems intriguingly flirtatious, lamenting about her own fading youth and lack of intimacy with Howard. The crew gathers within the farmhouse, and they proceed to shoot the first scene, where Bobby-Lynne and Jackson enact a steamy encounter, laying the groundwork for the film’s plot. Following this, Maxine steps in to portray the younger sister in a similarly provocative scene. Meanwhile, Pearl watches on, subtly aroused, and expresses a longing for intimacy, which Howard dismisses due to his own health concerns.

As night falls, an anxious Lorraine confides in R.J. about her desire to participate in the film, prompting a reluctant acceptance from the group. However, R.J. finds himself overwhelmed and retreats to the shower in tears. In a moment of turmoil, R.J. attempts to leave the group in frustration, but is halted when he encounters Pearl on the road. Despite his attempts to assist her, Pearl’s true nature becomes evident when she violently stabs him to death, leaving a gruesome scene behind.

Meanwhile, Wayne ventures into the farmhouse searching for R.J. and suffers an accident that leads him to a horrifying discovery—Pearl brutally kills him with a pitchfork, marking the beginning of the horrors that will follow. As tension escalates, Lorraine finds herself trapped in the cellar by Howard, discovering a grisly sight that amplifies her terror.

Desperation mounts as Howard enlists Jackson to help find Pearl. Their search leads to a shocking revelation when Howard fatally shoots Jackson. In an unsettling twist, Pearl invades Maxine’s personal space during the night, leaving behind a sinister token of her violence. Maxine, now fully aware of the sinister undercurrents in the farmhouse, becomes a target as Pearl’s madness escalates, leading her to confrontations that turn deadly.

As chaos reigns, Maxine musters her courage and cunning to survive, ultimately facing Pearl in a final showdown that leaves spectators in disbelief. The aftermath unravels a tangled web of horror and dark familial ties as Sheriff Dentler investigates the scene, and unsettling truths about Maxine begin to surface.

In the concluding moments, the eerie ambiance remains as a preacher’s message plays on the television, revealing an intriguing connection that deepens the narrative. Ultimately, this harrowing tale sets the stage for a forthcoming prequel titled Pearl, leaving audiences anticipating the horrific fallout from the events they’ve witnessed.

Timeline

Track the key events of X (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Sheriff Dentler Arrives

In rural Texas during 1979, Sheriff Dentler arrives at a crime scene that is anything but ordinary. He discovers an abandoned corpse covered up in front of a house, with blood smeared across the porch, indicating a gruesome incident has taken place.

1979 Rural Texas

Maxine Prepares for Filming

One day before the harrowing events unfold, Maxine Minx, an aspiring starlet, prepares to head to Houston for the filming of an adult movie titled *The Farmer's Daughter*. With her boyfriend Wayne and the lively crew, they embark on a journey filled with anticipation and excitement.

Arrival at the Farmhouse

The film crew arrives at a remote farmhouse, their shooting location, but their welcome is far from warm. The elderly property owner, Howard, confronts them with a rifle, revealing his suspicions and hostility towards the group despite prior arrangements.

Remote Farmhouse

Encounter with Pearl

As Maxine disembarks from the van, she catches sight of Howard's wife, Pearl, watching them intently from the window. Pearl, who seems flirtatiously intrigued by Maxine, expresses her feelings of regret about her own faded youth and longing for intimacy.

Farmhouse

First Film Scene

The crew gathers inside the farmhouse to shoot their first scene, featuring Bobby-Lynne and Jackson in a sultry encounter. Maxine soon steps in to portray a younger character, all while Pearl observes, hinting at her unsettling desire for connection.

Farmhouse

R.J.'s Breakdown

As night falls, Lorraine confides in R.J. about her longing to participate in the film. Overwhelmed by emotions, R.J. retreats to the shower, visibly shattered and contemplating leaving the crew, signaling the beginning of his emotional unraveling.

R.J. Meets Pearl

In a twist of fate, R.J. attempts to leave the group and runs into Pearl on the road. What starts as a willingness to help quickly escalates into a tragic encounter, leading to Pearl brutally stabbing R.J. to death.

Road near Farmhouse

Wayne's Discovery

Searching for R.J., Wayne enters the farmhouse and experiences a horrific accident. His journey ends in tragedy as he comes face-to-face with Pearl, who brutally kills him with a pitchfork, escalating the terror that grips the crew.

Farmhouse

Lorraine's Terror

Meanwhile, Lorraine finds herself trapped in the cellar by Howard, where she makes a horrifying discovery. The grisly sights in this dark space amplify her terror, showcasing the depths of the violence that surrounds them.

Cellar

Howard Shoots Jackson

In an increasingly chaotic situation, Howard commands Jackson to help him find Pearl. However, their search takes a deadly turn when Howard fatally shoots Jackson, plunging the remaining crew deeper into horror.

Farmhouse

Pearl Targets Maxine

As the night progresses, Pearl invades Maxine's personal space, leaving behind an unsettling token of her sinister actions. This incursion makes it clear that Maxine is now in grave danger, with Pearl's madness intensifying.

Farmhouse

Maxine's Fight for Survival

Realizing the severity of her situation, Maxine gathers her courage and resourcefulness to fight back against Pearl. The ensuing conflict escalates into a deadly confrontation that tests Maxine's will to survive amid chaos.

Farmhouse

Sheriff's Investigation

After the chaotic events unfold, Sheriff Dentler returns to investigate the deeply disturbing scene at the farmhouse. His findings unravel a tangled web of horror and family ties, revealing unsettling truths about Maxine.

Farmhouse

The Preacher's Message

In an eerie conclusion, a preacher’s message plays on the television as events from the night linger in the air. This chilling final touch hints at an intriguing connection, leaving the audience pondering the narrative's depth.

Anticipation of the Prequel

As the story wraps, this harrowing tale sets the groundwork for a forthcoming prequel titled *Pearl*. The promise of exploring the grotesque aftermath leaves the audience eagerly awaiting what horrors lie ahead.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring X (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow)

Bobby-Lynne is a confident and carefree member of the filmmaking crew, embodying the spirit of the late 1970s sexual liberation. Her playful demeanor contrasts sharply with the horror that unfolds, but she also attempts to navigate the complexities of her relationships with Jackson and the other crew members.

🌟 Starlet 🎥 Filmmaker

Maxine Minx (Mia Goth)

Maxine serves as the ambitious heart of the film, eager to prove herself in the adult film industry. Her journey transitions from hopeful starlet to a desperate survivor, showcasing a deep character arc as she confronts the threats posed by Pearl and the unraveling chaos of her surroundings.

🌟 Aspiration 🎭 Drama

Sheriff Dentler (James Gaylyn)

Sheriff Dentler represents law and order in a world rapidly descending into chaos. His investigation into the gruesome events serves as a vessel through which the audience glimpses the horrors that unfold, embodying the role of the observer grappling with the dark realities of human nature.

👮‍♂️ Authority 🕵️ Investigation

Pearl (Mia Goth)

Pearl is a complex antagonist driven by her own fading youth and desire for intimacy, which defines her disturbing actions. Her character encapsulates the horror of obsession and the drastic measures one might take to reclaim lost connection, making her both tragic and terrifying.

🔪 Villain 😱 Horror

Setting

Uncover the settings of X (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1979

Set in 1979, this time period reflects a significant era in American culture, marked by a blend of traditional values and the emerging sexual liberation movement. The year serves as a backdrop for the film industry’s evolving landscape, particularly in adult filmmaking, revealing the tension between conservative norms and new freedoms.

Location

Rural Texas, Houston, Texas

The movie is set in rural Texas, a region known for its vast landscapes and rustic charm. The farmhouse where much of the film takes place symbolizes isolation and secrecy, contrasting with the bustling urban environment of Houston, where the aspiring filmmakers initially set out to shoot their adult film.

🏞️ Countryside 🌆 City

Themes

Explore the core themes of X (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎬

Ambition

The theme of ambition runs deeply through the film, as characters strive for success in the adult film industry. Maxine’s desire for stardom drives the narrative, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to achieve their dreams, while also revealing the dark side of ambition as it leads to dire consequences.

🩸

Violence

Violence is a pervasive theme that escalates throughout the film, beginning with the shocking crime scene discovered by Sheriff Dentler. The brutality that unfolds as Pearl viciously murders members of the filmmaking crew highlights the film’s exploration of horror and the fragility of safety in seemingly peaceful environments.

🌪️

Chaos

The narrative descends into chaos as trust erodes and paranoia takes hold among the characters. Each encounter between Pearl and the crew becomes increasingly fraught, leading to a breakdown of their relationships and revealing the darker aspects of human nature under pressure.

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