Do not let the fact that Pearl is a prequel put you off from seeing it. The order you watch it and X in doesn’t matter, they both tell their own distinct stories that share a notable but not vital connection. Despite its classical Hollywood aesthetic, Pearl is a visceral and unnerving experience. Better than X in my view and definitely a contender for my Best of the year list.

It’s 1918 in Texas. Pearl (Mia Goth), a farmgirl, awaits the return of her husband who’s fighting in the First World War. When she’s not doing housework or tending to her ill father, she goes to the cinema and dreams of leaving her hometown and becoming a star. When an opportunity to achieve this fantasy arises, Pearl goes to extreme lengths to take advantage of it.

The Characters

Pearl’s relationship with her mother Ruth (Tandi Wright) is where the film’s main conflict ignites. Ruth isn’t a dreamer, she’s very in touch with reality, which is too grim for Pearl. Ruth simply wants her daughter to have what she’s built; a good home with food on the table.

In 1918 a dreamer like Pearl with her Hollywood aspirations might’ve been seen as lazy and selfish. To a modern audience however, while not likable she’s certainly empathetic. Pearl has a want for validation and acceptance that many here in the West can relate to. When she goes to the cinema and watches old films of women dancing, she may as well be watching reality TV or looking at social media of the rich and famous.

Of course you won’t relate to what she does to realise her dreams but you will feel her desire to do so, especially in her impoverished circumstances.

The Style

Just as X looks and sounds like a 70s’ exploitation flick, Pearl looks and sounds like an old Hollywood picture. If you’ve seen films like The Wizard of Oz or Mary Poppins, Pearl’s colour scheme, screen direction and score will feel very familiar.

Make no mistake though, Pearl may not be a full-blown horror film but it does have elements of a slasher. When Pearl starts to struggle, things get bloody, and despite the shocking violence, the classic Hollywood aesthetic doesn’t change. This creates a disturbing contrast. The juxtaposition of the life Pearl wants and the life she’s living.

As stated before, it doesn’t matter which you watch first but I found the characters and style of Pearl a lot more haunting than X’s. I may watch it again but after a while, it’s certainly a film you don’t forget easily.

It’s rare that I give this rating but due to its uniquely discomforting tone and the fact that I honestly can’t think of anything particularly wrong with it, I have to give Pearl an outstanding 10 out of 10.

Rare I know. Watch it yourself. You may see what I mean.