Writer/director Ti West’s horror trilogy reaches the end with “MaXXXine,” the follow-up to the 2022 films “X” and “Pearl.”

After the two previous films brought something fresh and exciting to the table, the third act doesn’t quite hit the same level. Fortunately, it works well enough  in large part because of the trilogy’s ace in the hole – Mia Goth.

Once again Goth delivers a memorable turn, one that completely transcends the genre and manages to lift some material that is a little flat and standard – especially when compared to the previous two films.

“MaXXXine” picks up a few years after “X” with Maxine Miller (Goth), the lone survivor in the first film, now an established porn actress in Hollywood in 1985 who is about to get her big break in a sequel to a popular horror film called “The Puritan II.”

The film’s director Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki) puts her reputation as a filmmaker on the line to have Maxine in the film, but the big break comes just as Maxine is visited by a private detective (Kevin Bacon, who is having a pretty busy week) who can link her back to the Texas massacre.

As the past starts to catch up with her, Maxine faces another possible threat – with a serial killer known as the Night Stalker attacking friends and co-workers. 

Like the previous two films West uses the film’s setting to recreate a specific era in the horror genre – this time effectively capturing those slasher/thrillers from the early ’80s. The mood is heightened with some over-the-top gore and a killer soundtrack that any fan of the era will certainly appreciate.

Unfortunately the story unfolds rather predictively, with West showing his hand to the audience way too early – building to a rather tepid final act that doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

It’s a bit unsatisfying yes, but fortunately Goth is there to help alleviate any of those frustrations with the story. Much like she did in “Pearl” Goth completely sinks her teeth into the character – creating a complicated person who is perhaps more comfortable being the villain than the damsel in distress.

Goth doesn’t get the killer monologue moment like she did in the previous film, but there is still enough material for her to really shine – and take another wise mediocre movie to another level.

Starring: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki

Directed by: Ti West

Rating: R for strong violence, gore, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use.

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: B-