X is a 2022 slasher horror movie filled with dread and dark surprises. Horror Brains dives deep into its shadows, breaking down what works, what fails, and delivering a final verdict.
Intro
There’s a certain grit to horror that doesn’t try to be clean, polished, or polite. X embraces that dirt under the nails, dragging its audience into a world where desire, decay, and violence collide without apology. At Horror Brains, slashers live and die by presence, and this one knows exactly what it’s doing. It doesn’t rush to the blood—it builds a mood, lets the heat settle, lets the tension crawl. Beneath the surface, it’s not just about bodies dropping; it’s about obsession, aging, and the fear of being left behind. It’s raw, deliberate, and uncomfortably intimate in ways that make every moment feel closer than it should.
Plot in Brief
A group of filmmakers travel to a rural Texas farm to shoot an adult film, but their elderly hosts begin to show disturbing interest. As night falls, curiosity turns deadly, trapping the group in a brutal fight for survival.
What Works
A fearless blend of genres. X blends classic slasher mechanics with character-driven drama and a layer of unsettling intimacy. It doesn’t rely purely on kills—it builds relationships, tension, and atmosphere before unleashing violence. That balance gives the film weight, making each turn feel earned. It’s a slasher that respects its roots while pushing into more uncomfortable, layered territory.
Performances that cut deep. Mia Goth stands at the center, delivering a performance that shifts between vulnerability and intensity with ease. Her presence anchors the film’s emotional core. The supporting cast brings authenticity to their roles, making the group dynamic feel real. Even the antagonistic figures carry a disturbing humanity that adds depth to their actions.
Atmosphere so thick it drips. The film thrives on its setting. The isolated farm, the oppressive heat, and the slow passage of time create a suffocating environment. Every creak, every shadow feels deliberate. Horror Brains thrives on atmosphere-driven horror, and here, the tension builds through stillness as much as action, making the eventual violence hit harder.
Themes that resonate. Aging, desire, and the fear of losing relevance form the backbone of the narrative. The film explores the contrast between youth and decay, turning that tension into something deeply uncomfortable. It’s not just about survival—it’s about what people become when they feel forgotten, ignored, or left behind.
Cultural depth. The film taps into a specific era and aesthetic, grounding its story in a time that reflects shifting cultural attitudes toward sexuality and identity. It uses that backdrop to enhance its themes, adding texture without overwhelming the narrative. The result is a film that feels rooted in something tangible and lived-in.
What Fails
Pacing in the middle act. The slow-burn approach occasionally lingers a bit too long before the horror fully escalates. While the buildup is effective, certain stretches feel drawn out, delaying the inevitable confrontation. The tension remains, but the pacing could have been tightened to maintain a sharper edge.
Accessibility for casual viewers. The film’s deliberate pacing and thematic focus may not appeal to viewers expecting a straightforward slasher. Its emphasis on mood and character over constant action can feel slow for those looking for immediate payoff. It demands patience, which not every audience will be willing to give.
Uneven tone at times. The blend of intimacy, drama, and horror occasionally creates tonal friction. Some moments lean heavily into character exploration, while others shift abruptly into violence. While intentional, this contrast doesn’t always feel seamless, creating brief disconnects in the film’s rhythm.
Final Verdict
X is a slasher that understands its foundation and isn’t afraid to build on it. It delivers strong performances, a suffocating atmosphere, and themes that linger beyond the surface. Horror Brains recognizes the confidence behind its execution, even when the pacing falters. It’s a film that values tension over speed, mood over excess, and character over spectacle. While not without its imperfections, it stands as a bold, memorable entry that proves the genre still has room to evolve without losing its edge.
Horror Brains Score
