This time Art reviews Pearl

Off the top I’ll just say this is not a very scary movie in the sense that if you watched the first movie in the eventual trilogy you kinda know everything that’s going to happen. Fear is based on the unknown. There is nothing unknown here.

That being said, I enjoyed it. Let’s let it slide into the spooky season but recognize it’s more of a moody atmospheric suspense thing than actual spooktacular. Nothing wrong with that. The scene with the main character and the scarecrow was genuinely the most scary part, but I’m hoping everyone is happy.

This is anchored by some really strong performances. Mia Goth can nail devastated emotional state. Tandi Wright as the mom really nailed her performance as a tortured but also torturing parental figure.

I enjoyed the period piece dressing as well. Costuming and scene setting were well done. The closing shot with the main character that slowly closes to the pinhole was a well done denouement. It’s hard to imagine how else to close out this part of the story.

I think it’s obvious but I genuinely recommend this movie. The question is whether you should watch the first movie “X” first. I’d say absolutely, though I could see an argument for watching the films in chronological order (from the films’ perspective). That might actually make both movies scarier.