A Masterful Exploration of Gothic Horror
Ti West’s Pearl (2022) emerges as a spellbinding addition to modern gothic-horror cinema, intertwining 1920s B-movie grandeur with vibrant visual storytelling. As a prequel to X, the film delves into the chilling origins of its titular character, portrayed with exceptional depth by Mia Goth.
Set against the backdrop of 1918, amid the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic, Pearl immerses the audience in the protagonist’s suffocating world—a desolate farm devoid of love and joy. Pearl’s yearning to escape her oppressive existence, dreaming of stardom as a stage dancer, embodies a poignant clash between ambition and isolation. Her dreams, steeped in dazzling fantasy, unravel into obsession, with her desperation culminating in chilling consequences.
Every frame of Pearl is saturated with vibrant colours that starkly contrast with the bleakness of Pearl’s life. The idyllic farm, its picturesque skies and manicured landscapes amplify the irony of the horrors lurking within. This meticulous production design reflects Pearl’s fractured psyche, juxtaposing her longing for beauty with the grim reality she endures. Dreamlike sequences burst with vivid lighting, offering a glimpse into her delusions of grandeur while underscoring her tragic plight.
West masterfully captures Pearl’s descent into madness, an unsettling journey that is both haunting and profoundly human. Mia Goth delivers a tour de force performance, embodying Pearl with both charm and menace. Her portrayal reveals a character at once sympathetic and terrifying, seamlessly transitioning from vulnerability to unhinged terror. The climactic monologue, a raw and unforgettable showcase of emotion, cements Goth’s role as a leading figure in modern horror cinema.
Pearl’s strained relationship with her authoritarian mother infuses the narrative with palpable tension. Her mother’s rigid control and austere expectations create an oppressive barrier to Pearl’s ambitions, igniting a cycle of rebellion and repression that drives her further into despair. Their interactions, charged with explosive confrontations, highlight the generational and cultural divide that shapes the film’s emotional core.
As part of Ti West’s duology, Pearl serves as a vital piece of the larger narrative puzzle. While X introduced audiences to the enigmatic older Pearl, this prequel intricately explores the origins of her bitterness and violence. The thematic continuity enriches the duology, creating an interconnected study of ambition, repression, and the darker currents of human desire.
Pearl is a modern horror film that combines visuals, themes, and Goth’s performance into its narrative. West’s storytelling is prominent in this depiction of a woman’s dreams and descent into madness. As both a standalone film and part of a broader duology, Pearl captivates viewers and leaves a lasting impression beyond the final scene.
Released in 2022 in cinemas, Pearl is now available for streaming on Netflix.
-Dirk Lombard Fourie