Pearl with special guest Brad Liberti

·1 hr 45 min·5 clips

Special guest Brad returns to debate whether 'Pearl' is an instant classic or overrated horror camp.

The episode opens with hosts Pete and Scott welcoming back guest Brad Liberti to discuss the 2022 horror film 'Pearl', directed by Ti West and co-written by Mia Goth. Brad immediately declares it an instant classic, revealing he has seen it eight times since its release. The hosts contrast their viewing experiences, with Pete enjoying it more on a second watch. They delve into the film's unique production context, shot back-to-back with 'X' in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing crews from projects like 'Avatar: The Way of Water'. The discussion compares the three films in Ti West's trilogy, noting 'X' draws from exploitation horror like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', 'Maxxxine' from 1980s thrillers like 'Angel', and 'Pearl' from 1950s melodramas and 'The Wizard of Oz'. Brad argues 'Pearl' is the only film in the trilogy with 'heart', resonating through themes of life's unfairness and repressed rage. The hosts analyze Mia Goth's performance, questioning how much she contributed to the script, especially the extended monologue. They examine the film's visual style, praising its vibrant Technicolor aesthetic and camp elements, while debating its tone between horror and psychological drama. The conversation touches on the character of Pearl as a representation of female ambition stifled by circumstance, with comparisons to 'Carrie' and 'Showgirls'. They discuss the supporting cast, including David Corenswet as the projectionist and Tandi Wright as Pearl's mother. The episode also explores the film's cultural impact, with mentions of Martin Scorsese's praise and Oscar buzz for Mia Goth, though the hosts agree a nomination was unlikely. They conclude by reflecting on the film's legacy as a pandemic-era original that boosted Goth's career and inspired viewings of its influences.

As heard by us

Brad's Pearl devotion gives this lively rewatch conversation its center.

Pearl brings out the pleasures of horror camp as Pete, Scott, and Brad weigh the film's bright, summery surface against its stranger, more theatrical turns.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when you want a Pearl rewatch chat where bright horror camp, Halloween ritual, and X-trilogy detours all share the table.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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