A horror film hailed by critics and fans as a modern 'masterpiece', featuring what some have called one of the 'most disturbing performances ever', is set to air on Film4 this evening.
A Descent into Madness on a Texas Farm
The film in question is Pearl, the 2022 prequel to director Ti West's slasher film X. Set against the backdrop of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the story follows a young woman named Pearl who lives in isolation on her family's Texas farm. Trapped caring for her infirm father under the stern watch of her mother, Pearl desperately dreams of escaping to a life of glamour as a dancer.
This intense repression of her ambitions and desires ultimately erupts into violent, psychopathic acts against both her family and the local townsfolk, charting her terrifying descent into madness.
An Acclaimed and Unforgettable Lead Performance
The film is dominated by a committed and acclaimed performance from lead actress Mia Goth. Remarkably, Goth co-wrote the film's script with director Ti West during the pandemic, with the pair developing the story remotely via FaceTime. Her portrayal has been widely credited with establishing Pearl as a modern horror icon.
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Pearl holds an impressive 93% approval rating. Critics and audiences have particularly focused on Goth's transformative and unsettling work. One five-star review noted the film was "painful, disturbing, and enthralling," praising Pearl's devastating monologue for making "that pain reaches out and touches you."
Audience and Critical Reaction
Viewers have echoed this praise, with many highlighting the unique power of Goth's performance. One fan stated, "Mia Goth dominates the film... this is entirely her domain and as Pearl she gives a horror performance for the ages." Another review pointed to the film's complex characterisation, saying it "helps you feel bad for the person that you shouldn't and hate the people you should root for."
The consensus is that Goth's portrayal, particularly her now-iconic tear-filled smile, is an image burned into the viewer's soul forever. Several reviews even suggested her work was worthy of major awards recognition, calling it "exceptionally amazing."
Catch This Modern Horror Classic
For those seeking a sophisticated and deeply unsettling horror experience, Pearl airs on Film4 on Saturday 10 January at 11.05pm. It offers a compelling origin story that expands the world of X while standing on its own as a chilling study of ambition, repression, and psychosis, all anchored by a central performance that has already become legendary among horror aficionados.
