Fans of Ti West’s Pearl trilogy will finally have the chance to watch the final installment of the series on July 5th, when “MaXXXine” hits theaters. The entry follows Mia Goth as the titular character, an adult-film actress who dreams to become a star.
The horror film is set in 1980s Los Angeles, where Maxine will finally have her big break. However, while she is accomplishing her dreams, a violent stalker from her past will threaten her new life. Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, Lily Collins, Moses Sumney, Halsey, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Monaghan, and Kevin Bacon also join the cast.
One thing that has defined Ti West’s horror trilogy is the exploration of show business, as well as Hollywood’s ages. After exploring the 1970s slashers in “X” and then Hollywood’s Golden Age in “Pearl,” “MaXXXine” plays homage to the ’80s horror-thrillers. So, if after watching the trilogy, you want to keep exploring the horror behind Hollywood’s glamour, here are some films you can watch.
Horror and thriller films set in Hollywood like Ti West’s Maxxxine
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
Rent or buy on Prime Video
‘Shadow of the Vampire’ is not only a horror film set in Hollywood, but also one of the best movies about making movies. The story is a fictionalized account of the making of Nosferatu, and stars Willem Dafoe as a real vampire playing the fictional vampire. John Malkovich plays director F. W. Murnau.
Barton Fink (1991)
Rent or buy: Prime Video, Apple, Microsoft
A film by The Cohen brothers, this movie is one of those titles that defy genre classification, but we’re going with a very interesting thriller about Hollywood, creative industries and writing process in general. Set in 1941, it stars John Turturro in the title role as a young New York City playwright who is hired to write scripts for a film studio in Hollywood, and John Goodman as Charlie Meadows, the insurance salesman who lives next door at the run-down Hotel Earle.
Videodrome (1983)
Rent or buy: Prime Video, Apple, Microsoft
David Cronenberg’s cult classic “Videodrome” stars James Woods as Max Renn, the president of a TV network who discovers a broadcast signal showing snuff films. As he delves deeper into the signal’s origin, he uncovers a web of deception and mind-control conspiracies. The investigation takes a dark turn as Max experiences intense hallucinations, leading him to question the nature of reality itself.
The Neon Demon (2016)
Stream on: Prime Video, Hoopla, Freevee
Nicolas Winding Refn’s psychological horror film explores the dark and cutthroat world of the Los Angeles fashion industry. The story follows Jesse, played by Elle Fanning, a young and aspiring model who moves to the city with dreams of stardom. As her natural beauty and youth captivate those around her, she attracts both admiration and jealousy, ultimately leading to a nightmarish descent into the sinister underbelly of glamour and obsession. The film is noted for its striking visuals, atmospheric score, and its exploration of the destructive nature of beauty and vanity.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Stream on: Paramount+, Kanopy, Hoopla, PlutoTV
This classic is considered one of the best examples of Gothic horror films. It stars William Holden as Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star played by Gloria Swanson. Norma, living in a decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard, dreams of a comeback and ensnares Joe in her delusions. The film is renowned for its critique of Hollywood, memorable performances, and haunting portrayal of ambition and obsession.
Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
Stream on: AMC+
Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio follows the story of Gilderoy, a timid British sound engineer who is hired to work on an Italian horror film in the 1970s. As he becomes more engrossed in the disturbing and grotesque soundscapes of the film, the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, leading to a psychological unraveling. The movie is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension, using sound design as a central element to create a haunting and immersive experience.
Scream 3 (2000)
Stream on: Max
Directed by Wes Craven, the third installment in the iconic Scream franchise is set in Hollywood and continues the franchise’s mix of self-referential humor and slasher thrills. The story follows Sidney Prescott as she once again faces the Ghostface killer, this time on the set of a movie based on her own life. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends must uncover the killer’s identity and survive the deadly game.
