As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Ti West’s MaXXXine has left me with a lingering sense of satisfaction – and one burning question: What’s the deal with that police-tagged video?
Among the standout films slated for 2024 release, Ti West’s gritty yet glamorous sequel, MaXXXine, brought a largely satisfying conclusion to Maxine Minx’s story. Given that the filmmaker feels they successfully concluded this chapter and may not return to this world soon, it’s great that the film wrapped up well. However, if Mia Goth’s Maxine decides to continue her narrative, it’s crucial to address a significant plot inconsistency that I found even upon rewatching.
Without a doubt, let’s make it clear that we’re diving deep into some major spoilers ahead! So if you haven’t had a chance to watch MaXXXine yet with your Max subscription, or perhaps you’re one of those folks who enjoys uncovering plot flaws before even knowing the plot itself, then by all means, keep on reading! But for the rest of us who prefer the thrill of discovering stories unfold naturally, beware!
Maxine Was Given A Copy Of A Police-Tagged Video Connecting Her To The Texas Murders
When I first figured out that someone was setting me up, it turned out to be my dad, playing a cruel trick on me with a VHS tape featuring clips from an adult film shot by RJ during the chaotic events depicted in Ti West’s X. Labeled “For Maxine,” this tape contained my most intimate moments, confirming that I was indeed the lone survivor of Pearl and Howard’s brutal rampage.
To start with, it’s crucial to note that the video initiates with a message indicating that the footage was marked as evidence by Texas law enforcement following their confiscation at the site where the deaths occurred. In other words, it’s reasonable to assume that the police were aware of Maxine and her possible escape from the scene, even if they didn’t suspect her of orchestrating everything entirely.
Leon Likely Had The Tape Nearby When He Was Murdered
It’s clear that Maxine is extremely worried because she believes someone out there knows about her past mistakes and present location. With no other methods of investigation available, she asks her closest friend, video store clerk Leon (played by Moses Sumney), to find out as much as he can about a VHS tape. After several hours, Leon meets a tragic end when Maxine’s separated father Ernest (Simon Prast) attacks him, resulting in Leon’s death. Unfortunately for the viewers, they never discover that Leon didn’t manage to uncover anything about the duplicate video.
As a devoted fan, I must admit I wouldn’t have anticipated that a VHS research would yield helpful insights for these characters. However, the crucial point is that Leon likely had the (illegally copied) tape of police evidence either on or near the video store’s counter since he was working till closing time that night. It’s plausible that Ernest might have taken the tape before joining Kevin Bacon’s character, John Labat, in the vehicle, but at the crucial moment, he wasn’t holding it with his blood-stained gloves.
Regardless, it’s likely that the tape caught the attention of Detectives Williams (Michelle Monaghan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale), even though no other officers on the scene recognized its significance at first glance. However…
The Tape Isn’t Mentioned Again, Despite Being A Potential Bombshell For The Detectives
Observing Detective Williams’ dramatic act of lifting the blood-stained cloth to expose Leon’s mutilated face to Maxine (and a crowd of unsuspecting bystanders whose peaceful mornings were disrupted in such an abrupt way), I quickly assumed they had discovered the “For Maxine” video, recognized its links to the Texas police department, and that it was part of their strategy to elicit an emotional reaction from her. Even if the detectives hadn’t yet established clear connections between Maxine and the previous murders, their objective behind such a move is clear to me.
Every time Monaghan’s character displays empathy towards Maxine, particularly when she mentions being a “survivor,” I continue to assume this is the case. When Williams and Torres intrude upon the disturbing exorcism scene that Ernest Miller is recording, it seems plausible to me that Williams has learned about what happened in Texas, understands Maxine’s past trauma, and chooses not to turn her in as a form of solidarity among strong women.
As a fan, I found myself yearning for more insight into the enigmatic relationship between Williams and Maxine in the film. While Torres’ fate was already sealed before Williams’ unusual demise, it seemed as if Williams somehow sensed Maxine’s plight and chose to act without knowing her full history. Granted, it wouldn’t be realistic for Williams to divulge all his knowledge to Maxine so soon, but the movie could have found a more subtle way to hint at their shared past.
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In the final scene of the movie, Maxine appears poised for stardom, hoping her success never falters – a dream that seems ambitious given her rapid rise to fame, which only increases the chance someone might link her to the Texas murders. This connection could be made even without the discovery of the “For Maxine” video in the store by the investigators.
It’s plausible to suppose that whoever else worked at the video store, or took over Leon’s position, might have discovered the VHS tape while cataloguing, unaware it contained something extraordinary. This leads us to consider the possibility that Maxine’s fame could be in constant conflict with the danger posed by someone familiar with the unfinished porn who could recognize her and bring unwanted publicity.
Although the movie doesn’t explicitly show it, it seems that we’re supposed to ponder over this detail as a potential clue rather than a definitive takeaway. If only there was a post-credit scene showing close-ups of various videos stacked against a wall, with the “Fox Maxine” tape somewhere in the pile, I wouldn’t be left wondering if it’s a plot oversight or something for viewers to speculate about during their leisure time.
Following the streaming of “MaXXXine”, take a look at all the approaching horror films that are set to hit theaters and streaming platforms soon and in the foreseeable future.
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2024-10-28 02:37