Film 4 is set to broadcast a horror film tonight that has been described as a 'masterpiece' by fans and critics alike, featuring what some have called one of the genre's 'most disturbing performances ever'.
A Prequel Steeped in Psychological Terror
The film, titled 'Pearl', is a prequel to the 2022 horror hit 'X'. It transports viewers back to 1918, following a young woman named Pearl who lives on an isolated Texas farm. Trapped caring for her ailing father under the watch of a strict mother, Pearl desperately dreams of escaping to a life of glamour as a dancer. The narrative explores how her repressed ambitions and desires violently erupt, leading to psychopathic acts against her family and the local townsfolk as she spirals into madness.
An Acclaimed Performance Forged in Lockdown
The movie stars Mia Goth in the titular lead role, a performance that garnered widespread critical praise upon the film's release in 2022. Intriguingly, Goth and director Ti West developed the story and script together remotely via FaceTime during a break in filming 'X'. This collaboration resulted in a character that has since been established as a modern horror icon.
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, 'Pearl' holds an impressive 93% approval rating. Critics and audiences have been united in their acclaim for Goth's committed and unsettling portrayal. One five-star review encapsulated the viewing experience, stating: "This was painful, disturbing, and enthralling... Pearl's monologue is downright devastating, as it feels like that pain reaches out and touches you."
Audience and Critical Reaction
Many reviews specifically highlight the power of Mia Goth's screen presence. One fan noted, "Mia Goth dominates the film, given pretty much the entire screen to fill and the runtime to stretch her legs – this is entirely her domain and as Pearl she gives a horror performance for the ages."
Another viewer commented on the film's complex emotional pull, writing, "It helps you feel bad for the person that you shouldn't and hate the people you should root for. By the time Pearl's tear-filled smile fades away it is burned into your soul forever." The sheer intensity of the performance led some to even suggest it was awards-worthy, with one review asserting, "Mia Goth is exceptionally amazing she should have won Oscars."
'Pearl' airs on Film 4 tonight, Saturday 10 January, at 11.05pm. For fans of psychological horror and standout acting, it promises to be a chilling and unforgettable broadcast.
