Review: A Summary of 2022's Mental Health "Pearl" (2022)

Background:

Pearl (subtitled An X-traordinary Origin Story) is a 2022 American psychological horror flick directed, produced, and edited by Ti West. It's co-written by West and Mia Goth, who also stars as the title character. The film also features David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, and Emma Jenkins-Purro in supporting roles. Acting as a prequel to X (2022) and the second film in the X series, it tells the backstory of the title villain. She's a woman with dreams of stardom who, in 1918 on her family's Texas homestead, turns to violence to achieve her goals. (from Wikipedia)

Year: 2022

Director: Ti West

Genre: Psychological Horror, Suspense, Horror-Comedy

Plot:

Pearl is a young woman living on a Texas farm with her parents during World War I. Her dad is paralyzed, her mom Ruth insists she help care for them, and they're isolating from the Spanish flu. Pearl dreams of being a star but Ruth disapproves, and Pearl shows signs of trouble, abusing her dad and killing animals for an alligator named Theda.

One day in town, Pearl meets a projectionist (Total Chad) she likes. Back home, she acts strangely, dancing with a scarecrow and having intense arguments with Ruth. Pearl hears about a dance audition, sees it as her way out, and visits the projectionist for encouragement. Pearl clashes with Ruth and in a heated moment, a fire starts, and Pearl flees to the movies.

The projectionist offers to take Pearl to the audition, but her behavior scares him. Pearl loses control and kills him, then prepares for the audition by dressing up and killing her dad. At the audition, Pearl is rejected and vents to her sister-in-law, confessing dark secrets. Pearl's rage escalates, leading to a tragic end for her sister-in-law.

Pearl disposes of the bodies, plans to create a new life, and greets her returning husband with a twisted surprise.

My Thoughts:

Alright, let's dive into Pearl, a movie that left me feeling strangely disturbed right from its Little House on the Prairie-like intro. If that was the aim, they nailed it perfectly because it completely disarms you for what's about to unfold.

First off, let's talk about Mia Goth's performance in this film—WOW! She blew me away. The pain she conveyed through her character Pearl was incredibly believable. Her ability to cry on cue was so perfectly executed; it never felt forced or cringe. Instead, you find yourself deeply empathizing with Pearl, wanting to comfort her as her pain violently erupts.

But here's the twist: Mia Goth also embodies this cute, innocent persona, which makes it hard to imagine the carnage she's capable of. It's a clever contrast that adds layers to the character and keeps you on edge.

Now, onto the horror elements. Pearl delivers some intense gore and builds tension effectively. It's like mixing baking soda and vinegar in a paper mache volcano—when it erupts, it's powerful and memorable. However, like any explosive climax, it's over too soon, leaving behind a chaotic aftermath.

And the ending credits? Bravo! Watching Pearl's decline and her desperate attempts to smile was chilling. Mia Goth, you've definitely earned a fan in this horror enthusiast.

Summary:

In summary, Mia Goth's performance in Pearl is absolutely captivating. Her portrayal of anguish, desperation, and sorrow is nothing short of masterful and should be studied by future scream queens and kings alike.

Initially, I was disappointed by the lack of violence and gore, but I urge you not to make the same mistake I did. Watch this movie for Mia Goth's performance alone, and then brace yourself for unexpected bursts of rage and murder that will leave you reeling.

Pearl is a slow burn, but it pays off with a deeply rewarding conclusion. The ending is haunting and resonates long after the credits roll.

I'm giving this movie a solid 9/10, with the caveat that you need to push through the first 30 minutes. Once you do, Mia Goth's performance and the film's chilling story-line will grip you until the very end.