My quick rating - 7,1/10. Another one I was looking forward to. Oh, is there some shit in this one to creep you out, and it has nothing to do with gore or jump scares LOL!!! Ti West isn't a stranger to horror and this is about as much in control for him as he has gotten on the full budget. Along with full backing, he seems to have had free reign on the subject matter which is just as important as the horror elements themselves. The group of young adults heading to Texas to shoot a porno movie is a nice and unique setup for what is to come but the attention to detail in the scenes of this faux movie being made is really well done. Definite attention to detail for the setup is nice and some may think unnecessary. I welcomed it since taking this movie in as a whole and it is about as stylized a horror flick as we have seen in a while. The cast all play their parts a bit better than one expects for a horror flick as well most especially Mia Goth who pulls double duty as the wannabe superstar using porn to break into the biz along with playing the elderly wife of the farm's owner where they are renting the guest house to film at. And the old couple that runs this place is an entirely new take on what we are expecting in a slasher flick. They are quirky, to say the least, and where their characters lead us brings you right to my first comment I made above while watching. Between the tropes that are all included for our viewing pleasure and the location itself, the Texas Chainsaw vibe is strong and clearly an influence for this one. Though the movie takes its time building up the tension, it is done so being backed by some very clever and wonderful camerawork to entertain the eyes. And as soon as it is time for any bloodletting it is brought on with plenty of gusto so don't worry about any PG-13 crap. Always a good sign when long after the movie ends, there are still images stuck in your head. I have TWO clear ones that haven't left me yet and I am sure there will be plenty for you as well. Not to spoil anything but be careful where you walk and swim. So well done in their cinematography and those aren't even the creepy-ass things that all women are going to have stuck in their heads long after. Also, don't miss the short scene after the credits which is a setup for a sequel called "Pearl" which is already a thing, telling the backstory of the old woman. Judging by the fare last year gave, I am thinking this will be a top ten of the year candidate, but we shall see. Early access rental if you click the poster below.
