Female madness hasn’t looked this good since “Black Swan.”
A24’s new horror film ‘Pearl’ was created as a prequel to ‘X’ which was released earlier this year.
That said, neither movie relies heavily on the other, so viewers can enjoy one without watching the other.
“Pearl” tells the story of a young woman who will do anything to become a movie star, escaping life on her parents’ farm.
Audiences quickly realize that this means she will do anything to make her dreams come true. However, it is questionable whether her drastic measures will ultimately achieve what she desires.
Mia Goth is a force to be reckoned with when she plays the title character. Her performance early in the film feels like watching a protagonist like Dorothy. has a levity to her personality with humble farm girl roots when performing for
Soon, Goth changes roles to unstable slasher, but somehow remains to encapsulate this dreamy innocent farm girl.
While Pearl is undoubtedly the film’s main protagonist and antagonist, Goth’s stage presence is hypnotic and continues to draw audiences deeper into the film.
Although the supporting cast is limited, the reactions of other characters to Pearl’s actions help establish Pearl as a lovable killer. Tandy Light.
Wright plays the role of a dictator-esque mother who shatters Pearl’s dreams at every turn, leading to an accusatory monologue filled with only the most bitter and disparaging comments directed at her daughter. It helps gain empathy for the situation and explains some of her psychotic tendencies.
‘Pearl’ is also a film unafraid to exploit striking cinematography and imagery, not relying solely on gore to keep the audience writhing. For example, unsettling figures such as a cooked pig full of maggots or a slightly human-looking scarecrow can be used to show the audience that something is wrong before the action begins.
What the usual tactics of a good slasher movie lack in plot, such as suspense and mystery, it makes up for in emotional complexity. As it climaxes, “Pearl” recognizes its deeply rooted emotional plot.
The climax of the film is a nearly seven-minute monologue detailing all of Pearl’s wrongdoings as a fictional confession to her husband Howard, who served in the First World War. Even as she sheds tears, you can see in Pearl’s eyes hope that everything will be fine once Howard returns.
Despite the mediocre plot, Goth’s performance is astounding and has generated a lot of attention. The true “wow” factor of this film is Goth’s “killer” acting.
Overall, “Pearl” delivers on most of its novelty expectations, with the added layer of Goth’s deeply emotional performances. I give this 4 stars out of 5 for the fact that it’s a perfect season.
