Martin Scorsese Thinks Everyone Must Watch 2022’s Pearl (& He’s Right)

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Modern horror films have clearly resonated with audiences. It’s challenging to capture the attention of today’s viewers with original or unusual ideas, but 21st-century horror has been remarkably successful, especially during the relatively slow 2020s for cinema. While many people know which recent horror films are good, it’s more insightful to see which ones impress veteran filmmakers – directors whose opinions are highly respected. Martin Scorsese, familiar with many genres throughout film history, has drawn inspiration from them in his own work. Interestingly, horror is one of the few genres he hasn’t explored extensively.

Martin Scorsese’s horror films are beloved by audiences and remain influential even now. Movies like *Cape Fear* and *Shutter Island* draw inspiration from a wide range of classic films, not just other horror movies. Scorsese himself grew up a fan of the genre and continues to be moved by great cinema. It’s therefore fitting that one of his recent favorite films belongs to a popular horror franchise that began in the 2020s. While several filmmakers have been impactful recently, Ti West stands out. West skillfully uses horror elements to create unique and compelling modern films, and his influence on Scorsese is clear.

Pearl Is One of the Most Creative Horror Movies of the 21st Century

Putting aside the interesting characters, *Pearl* was unexpected because it came out so soon after another horror film by Ti West in 2022. West quickly started working on it because he wanted to create a unique look and feel that wasn’t common in modern movies. *Pearl* blends dark fantasy with the slasher genre, telling the story of a young woman’s disturbing transformation from hopeful actress to violent killer, fueled by her growing obsessions and past traumas.

The film is particularly compelling because it draws heavily from the style of classic Hollywood cinema, especially when it comes to its dark fantasy themes. Though *Pearl* isn’t overtly fantastical, the character lives in a world where her imagination and dreams take over her life. This creates a subtly surreal atmosphere that makes the horror even more intense, transforming Pearl into a disturbingly dark take on Dorothy from *The Wizard of Oz*. Mia Goth continues to showcase her impressive range as an actress, and director Ti West delivers a vision brimming with both creativity and a sense of nostalgia.

Though it didn’t immediately grab the attention of everyone, horror fans were already excited about *Pearl* before its release. They expected a truly unsettling film from director West, who was known for creating disturbing characters. But no one could have predicted exactly how *Pearl* would unfold. The movie is definitely frightening, but it also explores the captivating and tragic side of chasing dreams and what happens when those dreams are destroyed. *Pearl* tells the story of a woman raised in a difficult and damaging home, and how that upbringing fuels her desperate need to escape. The film shows her journey from hopeful ambition to crushing disappointment, and the extreme emotional consequences that follow.

A strong sense of wanting to escape reality runs throughout the film *Pearl*, particularly in how it’s shown through dreams and movies. Rather than a typical horror film focused on violence, *Pearl* delves into the transformation of a troubled woman into a killer. Director West doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, offering a complex look at the protagonist’s psychology and mental state as she becomes a dangerous villain. He uses striking visuals – color, costumes, music, and overall tone – to create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, even making the violence seem strangely fantastical.

Martin Scorsese Loves Pearl and the Entire Ti West Horror Trilogy

It’s a huge compliment for a director like Ti West to learn that Martin Scorsese appreciates his films. While building an audience for his unique horror movies is rewarding, getting recognized by filmmakers who have influenced an entire generation takes it to another level. Ti West’s 2022 film, *Pearl*, wasn’t created in a vacuum; it’s actually a prequel to his earlier hit, *X*, both starring Mia Goth in dual roles as Pearl and Maxine. *X* cleverly blended the slasher genre with elements of provocative escapism, creating a uniquely interesting film.

Ti West became completely immersed in his film’s story and characters. He quickly developed the backstory for the villain, which was especially exciting because Mia Goth, his lead actress, could reprise the role as a younger version of the character. This led to the creation of *Pearl*, and suddenly, West envisioned a complete trilogy. He was on track to finish a rare horror trilogy in the 21st century, even before sequels for other popular horror films were released. The project generated significant buzz and deeply resonated with horror fans – even impressing Martin Scorsese.

Martin Scorsese loves classic horror films, especially *The Changeling*, but he’s also been vocal about enjoying newer releases. He’s a big fan of Ti West’s *X Trilogy*, praising each film for cleverly referencing different eras of horror. While he appreciates *Pearl*, he’s particularly fond of the third movie, *Maxxxine*, which evokes the feel of 1980s slasher and giallo films. Though *Maxxxine* is entertaining and has strong moments as it concludes Maxine’s story, it’s arguably the least groundbreaking concept within the trilogy.

Ti West’s *Pearl* remains his most impactful film, and its success was somewhat unexpected. Released shortly after *X*, it was a creative risk that truly paid off. Many consider *Pearl* the strongest of the three films, believing it perfectly embodies the spirit of classic cinema while also offering a look at the history of Hollywood and horror. Martin Scorsese has noted its distinct ’50s aesthetic, reminiscent of the era’s sweeping melodramas, and described watching it as both deeply unsettling and captivating. This makes sense, as *Pearl* is the most psychologically intense film in the trilogy and arguably the best overall.

Fans Have Been Waiting for Ti West’s Next Film Ever Since the X Trilogy Ended

Despite the fact that *Pearl* came out three years ago, the *X Trilogy* just concluded with *Maxxxine* a year ago. However, it feels like it’s been much longer, particularly because *Maxxxine* didn’t quite live up to the quality of *X* and *Pearl*. Ti West has been a filmmaker for over ten years, and fans have been enjoying his work for a long time, but the impact of this recent horror trilogy is undeniable. While West has directed films like *The Innkeepers*, *V/H/S*, and *The Sacrament*, the *X* films stand out as his most significant work.

After the release of *Maxxxine*, fans are eager to see what director Ti West will do next. He’s established himself as an important voice in horror, and his recent films have shown a clear evolution in his style and storytelling. This makes his next project highly anticipated. Currently, though, he doesn’t have any new films planned, and the future of his *X*, *Pearl*, and *Maxxxine* series remains unknown.

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2025-10-12 03:48