The Definitive Guide To Ti West's 'Pearl' Movies In Order: Release Vs. Chronological

The "Pearl" movies are part of one of the most unexpected and critically acclaimed horror franchises of the last decade, known officially as the X-Trilogy. This cinematic universe, created by writer-director Ti West and starring the phenomenal Mia Goth, has captivated audiences by blending classic slasher tropes with deep character studies on ambition, aging, and sexual repression. As of today, December 18, 2025, the trilogy is complete with the highly anticipated final installment, *MaXXXine*, having been released this year, making now the perfect time to dive into the full story.

To fully appreciate the genius of this A24-produced series, understanding the difference between the release order and the chronological timeline is essential. The films were intentionally released out of sequence, offering two distinct and equally rewarding viewing experiences. Whether you prefer to watch the story unfold as it happened to the characters or as the director intended for his audience, this guide provides the definitive order for watching *X*, *Pearl*, and *MaXXXine*.

The Architects of the 'X' Trilogy: Mia Goth and Ti West

The success of the "Pearl" movies hinges entirely on the creative partnership between the director and its star. The franchise offers a unique, deep dive into the horror genre, largely thanks to the dual roles and compelling performances by the lead actress.

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Mia Goth: The Face of Modern Horror

• Birth Name: Mia Gypsy Mello da Silva Goth
• Born: November 30, 1993, in Southwark, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Notable Film Debut: *Nymphomaniac: Vol. II* (2013)
• Breakthrough Role: Playing both the ambitious adult film star Maxine Minx and the elderly killer Pearl in *X* (2022). She then reprised the role of the younger Pearl in the prequel and Maxine Minx in the sequel.
• Key Filmography Highlights: *A Cure for Wellness* (2016), *Suspiria* (2018), *High Life* (2018), *Infinity Pool* (2023).
• Entity Count: 8 (Mia Goth, Mia Gypsy Mello da Silva Goth, Nymphomaniac: Vol. II, Maxine Minx, Pearl, A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria, Infinity Pool)

Ti West: The Master of Slow-Burn Horror

• Born: October 5, 1980, in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Role in the Trilogy: Writer, Director, Editor, and Producer of all three films.
• Signature Style: Known for his "slow-burn" approach to horror, building tension through atmosphere, character development, and retro aesthetics before delivering shocking violence.
• Key Filmography Highlights: *The Roost* (2005), *The House of the Devil* (2009), *The Innkeepers* (2011), *The Sacrament* (2013), and the Western *In a Valley of Violence* (2016).
• Entity Count: 7 (Ti West, The Roost, The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, The Sacrament, In a Valley of Violence, slow-burn horror)

Option 1: The 'X' Trilogy in Release Order (The Director's Cut)

Watching the films in the order they were released is the intended experience by Ti West. This order maximizes the shocking reveals and contextualizes the character of Pearl as a mysterious, terrifying antagonist before exploring her tragic origins.

1. X (2022)

Setting: 1979, rural Texas. This film serves as the original and foundational entry in the trilogy, introducing the main conflict and characters.

Plot Summary: A group of ambitious young filmmakers, including aspiring adult film star Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), travel to a secluded farm in Texas to shoot a low-budget adult movie. They rent a guesthouse from an elderly, reclusive couple, Howard and Pearl. As they pursue their dreams of sexual freedom and fame, they are stalked and murdered by the jealous, repressed elderly Pearl, who sees the young filmmakers as a reflection of the life she never had. The film is a stylish homage to classic 1970s slasher films like *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*.

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Key Entities: Maxine Minx, Howard, rural Texas, 1979, slasher film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, sexual freedom.

2. Pearl (2022)

Setting: 1918, during World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic. This film is a prequel, shot secretly back-to-back with *X*, and is a vibrant, Technicolor-infused origin story.

Plot Summary: Set 60 years before the events of *X*, *Pearl* explores the title character's youth and descent into madness. Trapped on her family's isolated farm with her strict mother and paralyzed father, Pearl dreams of escaping to become a famous dancer in Hollywood. Her desperate ambition and sexual repression clash violently with her reality, leading to a shocking and disturbing spree of murders. Mia Goth's performance is a tour-de-force, culminating in a now-iconic, unsettling final credit sequence.

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Key Entities: Pearl (younger), 1918, World War I, Spanish Flu, Technicolor, ambition, repression, origin story.

3. MaXXXine (2024)

Setting: 1985, Hollywood, California. The final chapter in the trilogy is a neon-soaked, 80s-era neo-noir slasher.

Plot Summary: The story follows the sole survivor of the events of *X*, Maxine Minx, as she finally pursues her dream of becoming a famous actress in 1980s Los Angeles. However, her past haunts her as she becomes the target of a mysterious serial killer stalking Hollywood. The film delves into themes of celebrity, media exploitation, and the dark side of the Hollywood dream machine. The ensemble cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, and musician Halsey.

Key Entities: Maxine Minx, 1985, Hollywood, Los Angeles, serial killer, neo-noir, celebrity, Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, Halsey.

Option 2: The 'X' Trilogy in Chronological Order (The Story Timeline)

For viewers who prefer a straightforward, linear narrative, the chronological order is the best choice. This viewing path allows you to witness Pearl's transformation from an innocent, ambitious farm girl to a cold-blooded killer, and then follow the consequences of her actions decades later.

Why The Chronological Order Works

Starting with *Pearl* establishes the central themes of the entire trilogy: the destructive nature of unfulfilled ambition, the pressures of societal expectations, and the struggle for sexual freedom. By watching *Pearl* first, the audience gains a deep, sympathetic understanding of the old woman's rage and frustration in *X*. The transition from the colorful, stylized period piece of *Pearl* to the gritty, grainy aesthetic of 1970s *X* is a jarring, yet effective, shift in tone. Finally, *MaXXXine* acts as a true sequel, following the survivor's journey into a new era of excess and exploitation, tying a bow on the overarching narrative of a woman fighting for her place in a world that wants to consume her.

The Future of the 'Pearl' Universe

With the release of *MaXXXine* on July 5, 2024, Ti West has confirmed that the X-Trilogy is complete. The three films—*Pearl*, *X*, and *MaXXXine*—represent a cohesive and unique cinematic statement on the horror genre, ambition, and the passage of time. The trilogy is a landmark achievement for A24, the production company, and has cemented Mia Goth's status as a modern "scream queen."

While there are no current plans for a fourth installment, the interconnected universe and the rich thematic material leave the door open for potential spin-offs or spiritual successors. For now, fans can enjoy the definitive three-film arc, exploring the journey from the repressed farm girl of 1918 to the resilient Hollywood star of 1985.

LSI Keywords and Entities for Topical Authority: A24, X-Trilogy, Ti West, Mia Goth, Maxine Minx, Pearl, MaXXXine, slasher franchise, horror genre, chronological order, release order, 1918, 1979, 1985, Hollywood, Texas, Elizabeth Debicki, Kevin Bacon, Giancarlo Esposito, The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, Nymphomaniac, sexual repression, ambition, cinematic universe, scream queen, Eliot Rockett (Cinematographer), Little Lamb Mad Solar (Production Company).