Director Ti West has made a name for himself in the horror genre, with past offerings such as “The House of the Devil” and “The Innkeepers” receiving acclaim for their slow-burn tension and masterful buildup. However, his latest film, “X” sadly falls short of expectations, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and missed potential.
One of the most glaring issues with “X” is its pacing. While West is known for his deliberate and patient storytelling, here, the deliberate pacing feels more like a plodding crawl. The film takes an exorbitant amount of time to set up its premise and characters, causing the viewer to wonder when the real horror will begin. This can test the patience of even the most ardent horror enthusiasts.
Furthermore, “X” leans heavily on established horror tropes, resulting in a lack of originality. It seems as though the film is content to regurgitate elements that have been seen countless times before in the genre. While homage to classic horror can be effective, in “X,” it feels more like imitation without the innovation. The absence of fresh ideas leaves the viewer longing for something genuinely unique and unsettling.
Character development is another glaring issue in “X.” The film introduces us to a group of individuals, but their depth and complexity are sorely lacking. It becomes challenging to invest emotionally in their fates when they exist as little more than shallow archetypes. Deeper character development could have provided a more immersive and engaging experience.
Perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of “X” is its predictability. The plot follows a formulaic trajectory that seasoned horror fans will likely see coming from a mile away. This robs the film of its potential to surprise and terrify, as the scares and twists become all too foreseeable. A horror film’s effectiveness often hinges on its ability to keep the audience on edge, but “X” fails in this regard.
Furthermore, “X” struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It veers between moments of horror and dark comedy, leaving viewers unsure of whether they should be frightened or amused. This tonal inconsistency can be jarring and disrupt the overall viewing experience. In my opinion, the prequel Pearl also directed by West is much better.
In conclusion, Ti West’s “X” is a film that disappointingly falls short of the mark. Its slow pacing, lack of originality, underdeveloped characters, predictability, and uneven tone all contribute to an overall sense of mediocrity. While the film does have its moments of tension and suspense, they are too few and far between to redeem its fundamental flaws. It’s a regrettable misstep in West’s otherwise promising career, leaving horror enthusiasts hoping for a return to his earlier glory.
