The X-traordinary origin story.|Sep. 16, 2022|USA|102 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Horror;Thriller
Description: ### Pearl (2022) – Synopsis
Something feels off with Pearl (Mia Goth), though she may never grasp the reason. She’s entrenched in her bizarre routines, like performing on haystacks with a pitchfork or discreetly killing animals. Living on her isolated farm in Texas during 1918, she yearns to escape and experience the adoration that comes from being an entertainer, even if it means masking her true self. It’s doubtful her future fans would learn about her gruesome act of impaling a duck and feeding it to her pet alligator, which is hinted at during the film.
Ti West’s film “Pearl” delves into the dark, unsettling side of the desire for fame and recognition. One of its most striking moments is the final shot, where Goth showcases a wide, forced smile that contrasts with the twitching of her facial muscles and tears, highlighting a deeper, more disturbing emotion beneath her outward façade. West lingers on this moment during the credits, creating an atmosphere of discomfort that leaves a lasting impression.
Despite the clear and sometimes overt narrative crafted by co-writers West and Goth, there’s an element of enjoyment in interpreting Pearl’s declarations, which can be seen as reflections of an actor’s psyche intertwined with a monster’s mindset. Lines like “The whole world is going to know my name,” and “I don’t like reality,” resonate with a haunting quality. Goth delivers these lines with a breathy voice that evokes naivety and innocence, echoing the countless individuals who, like Pearl, desire love and recognition at any cost.
Cast director: Ti West
Cast actor: Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, Emma Jenkins-Purro, Alistair Sewell
Original name: Pearl