XX (2017) – Movie Review
Introduction
“XX,” released in 2017, is a horror anthology film directed by four female directors: Jovanka Vuckovic, Annie Clark (known professionally as St. Vincent), Roxanne Benjamin, and Karyn Kusama. Each segment presents a unique take on horror, featuring women both in front of and behind the camera. This review will explore the plot, performances, direction, and overall impact of each segment, while also providing information on where to stream or purchase the movie in America.
Plot Summary
“XX” consists of four distinct horror stories, each with its own style and thematic focus:
- “The Box” (Directed by Jovanka Vuckovic): This segment follows a mother (Natalie Brown) whose son Danny (Peter DaCunha) stops eating after looking inside a mysterious red box. The mother’s desperate attempt to save her son from wasting away becomes a chilling exploration of family dynamics and the unknown.
- “The Birthday Party” (Directed by Annie Clark): A dark comedy about a mother (Melanie Lynskey) who finds her husband’s dead body on the morning of her daughter’s birthday party. Determined to keep the party going without alarming the children, she goes to great lengths to hide the corpse, leading to a macabre series of events.
- “Don’t Fall” (Directed by Roxanne Benjamin): A group of friends on a camping trip in the desert discovers ancient cave paintings. One of the friends, Gretchen (Breeda Wool), is attacked by a supernatural entity and transforms into a monstrous creature, leading to a night of terror for the group.
- “Her Only Living Son” (Directed by Karyn Kusama): This story centers on a single mother, Cora (Christina Kirk), whose son Andy (Kyle Allen) begins exhibiting violent and disturbing behavior on the eve of his 18th birthday. As the truth about his father and his destiny comes to light, Cora must confront unimaginable horrors to save her son.
Performances
The performances in “XX” are compelling and diverse, reflecting the range of genres and tones in the anthology:
- Natalie Brown delivers a haunting performance in “The Box,” capturing the despair and helplessness of a mother watching her family fall apart.
- Melanie Lynskey shines in “The Birthday Party,” balancing dark humor and horror with a nuanced portrayal of a woman on the edge.
- Breeda Wool is convincing as Gretchen in “Don’t Fall,” transitioning from an adventurous friend to a terrifying creature with ease.
- Christina Kirk provides a powerful and emotional performance in “Her Only Living Son,” embodying a mother’s unconditional love and desperation.
Direction and Cinematography
Each segment of “XX” showcases the unique vision of its director, contributing to the anthology’s eclectic and engaging nature:
- Jovanka Vuckovic uses a slow-burn approach in “The Box,” with a focus on atmosphere and psychological horror. The minimalist cinematography enhances the sense of dread and mystery.
- Annie Clark brings a quirky and darkly humorous style to “The Birthday Party,” with bright, pastel colors contrasting the macabre events. The segment feels like a twisted fairy tale.
- Roxanne Benjamin opts for a more traditional horror approach in “Don’t Fall,” with fast-paced action and practical effects. The desert landscape adds to the isolation and fear.
- Karyn Kusama creates a tense and emotional atmosphere in “Her Only Living Son,” with a focus on character development and moral dilemmas. The cinematography underscores the suburban setting’s deceptive normalcy.
Critique
“XX” is a refreshing addition to the horror anthology genre, offering a platform for female directors to showcase their talents. Each segment brings something different to the table, although the anthology as a whole can feel uneven due to the varying styles and tones.
The strength of “XX” lies in its ability to explore horror through a female lens, with themes of motherhood, identity, and survival. While not every segment may resonate with all viewers, the anthology offers enough variety to appeal to a broad audience. The wraparound animation by Sofia Carrillo adds a cohesive and eerie touch, linking the segments together.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “XX,” there are several options available in America:
- Streaming Services: The film is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Subscribers to these services can watch the movie at no additional cost.
- Rental and Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on digital platforms like Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. Prices for renting typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchasing the film can cost between $9.99 to $14.99 depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
“XX” is an innovative and intriguing horror anthology that stands out for its female-driven narratives and diverse storytelling styles. While the segments vary in impact, the overall experience is engaging and thought-provoking. Horror fans and those interested in unique perspectives will find “XX” a worthwhile addition to their watchlist. The film is readily accessible on various streaming and rental platforms, making it easy to enjoy this collection of chilling tales.
