Pearl 2022

Movie · 102 min · English · September 3, 2022

Directed by Ti WestWritten by Ti West, Mia Goth

Starring Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, Emma Jenkins-Purro

Pearl is a 2022 American psychological slasher film that serves as a prequel to X (2022) and the second entry in West’s X film series. Directed, produced, and edited by Ti West, with co-writing credits going to Mia Goth, the movie features David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, and Emma Jenkins-Purro in supporting roles alongside Goth, who reprises her title role. Set on a Texas homestead in 1918, the story follows the origin of the villainous character whose ambitions to become a movie star conflict with her harsh living conditions and violent nature, resulting in extreme actions against her family.

West began developing the prequel script during filming of X, collaborating closely with Goth. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry, principal photography commenced in New Zealand right after the first film’s completion, utilizing sets from X and crew from Avatar: The Way of Water while maintaining strict safety protocols. The film draws visual and thematic inspiration from directors like Douglas Sirk and the vibrant Technicolor style of movies such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Mary Poppins (1964), along with Disney productions.

It premiered worldwide at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2022, followed by a U.S. theatrical release on September 16, 2022 through A24. The film earned over $10 million at the box office and was met with positive critical reception, especially highlighting Goth’s performance. A third installment titled MaXXXine, which directly continues from X, was released on July 5, 2024, with Goth returning to her role from the first film.