Pearl (2022)

Because I want to keep my Letterboxd review short, I have been adding additional comments. I want to try and put all that together in my much neglected (here lately) blog here.

I actually typed up notes while watching Ti West's prequel to "X" this year and will leave all of them here.

That monologue by Pearl to "Howard", encouraged by Mitsy, who had no idea what awaits her is just an incredible piece of acting from an astonishing performance by Goth. She's the real deal. But I just know she'll get the Collette Hereditary treatment while those of us horror fans know why she was robbed come award time. Goth is that fucking good. But, phew, I was going to see Barbarian today and I'm drained. This is right out of the theater. That smile during the credits gradually darkening into tears and this break is almost as incredible as the monologue.

These are from my notes:

"Are you still in there?"

Pearl wants what seems to exist out there while her mother, a German immigrant farmer, tries to ground her in this rather humbling malaise of everyday farm life. Pearl wants to be a dancer in Palace Follies, want to be a ⭐. How can Pearl be when she's stuck on a farm under her mother's bootheel? The pandemic of Spanish influenza and her mother's rage, the late night weeping at what mama's life has become, the "infirm" father who can't move much less talk, the supposed folly of wanting more than what currently exists, the bohemian projectionist who just introduces her to stag films and actually has a motorized vehicle, the dark night of thunderstorm that seems to replicate the very volatility and turbulence culminating in tragedy with daddy seeing his wife's and daughter's come-apart, and the inevitable reality certain to crash whatever plans Pearl wanted for herself. The projectionist in Pearl's world, on the farm, seeing her outside the confines of his town, of his matinee room... Pearl's epic meltdown rears its vile sickness, with anyone in her presence certain to see it unleashed. The pitchfork in her hands🥺

"You are loved" followed by the pillowcase 😬

The white X on the dancehall floor and Pearl breaking out her matinee moves, losing herself in a performance she's sure will win over their approval is instead met with a stern no. "Sorry, you're just not what we have in mind" All American, younger and blond. The privileged Mitsy. Pearl begging for approval as her mother's presence assures her as a failure. All that's left is Howard. This failure will only encourage more rage. Mitsy will definitely feel her wrath. 4.5/5