Explaining the Ending of Maxxxine

After an early screening prior to the official release date of “Maxxxine,” director Ti West discussed various aspects of the film during a Q&A session at the Alamo Drafthouse theater in downtown LA. One pressing question revolved around a quote from Betty Davis, “Until you’re known in my profession as a monster, you’re not a star,” which is prominently featured at the film’s beginning. The film also concludes with Kim Carnes’ song “Betty Davis Eyes.”

When asked about the significance of these elements, West reflected for a moment before describing the bookends of the film as embodying “a strange feeling of the movie business, what it takes to achieve something that is so unlikely to achieve.” He noted that the ending “can be interpreted in many ways,” and seemed visibly uncomfortable when pressed for a definitive answer.

This essentially underscores the film’s main theme, as well as the overarching themes of the horror trilogy it belongs to. The trilogy delves into the intense obsession with fame and the myriad issues that arise both personally and mentally in its pursuit. The underlying message suggests that while achieving the impossible requires immense effort, the quest itself can lead to self-destruction.

In the context of the trilogy, Pearl’s character becomes overwhelmed by jealousy and envy, turning into a monster. Meanwhile, Maxine nearly finds herself becoming indifferent to the suffering of others, dealing violently with obstacles like Kevin Bacon’s sleazy private investigator and a potential rapist dressed like Buster Keaton.

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