Some may say that Pearl is the most beloved, if that word can even be used, film in Ti West's trilogy. The villain from X has own story to tell and it's as dark as her soul. Thankfully, we can now enjoy it in 4K. Second Sight's releases of Pearl (and MaXXXine) are fantastic as always. Complete with extras on the disc, art cards, booklet with various essays, all presented in a rigid case with brand new artwork and the film itself on 4K. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the film or new to Pearl's bloody beginnings, this is a release that is worth having on your shelf.

Waiting for her husband to return from war, Pearl (Mia Goth) dreams of becoming a star, dancing on stage or in movies. But as her dreams are stifled by her overbearing mother, her sick father and her duties on the family farm, Pearl's inner thoughts and desires start to break through with violent and bloody consequences.

Pearl has been set up so that it can be a stand-alone story as well as prequel for Goth's character, with there being many allusions to the events of X. It's easy to be drawn into Pearl's world and we quickly understand her state of mind as well as her motivations, even when questionable. From the very first day dream we know Pearl is delusional and believes she deserves better for the only reason that she thinks she's special. You can't connect to a character like this. If you feel sorry for her, that pity dissipates when she starts killing out of jealously or anger. However, you can revel in the psychotic behaviour that is paired so well with the dreamy tone and visuals throughout. The darkness alongside the sunny disposition, bright colours and cheery nature creates an uneasy feeling; every action Pearl makes feels unhinged.

The creeping horror of the film is subtle at first and builds to be full-blown mania, but it does take a while to get there. Once we delve into the layers of Pearl's despair and her psychotic tendencies, the film takes shape. The cracks in her façade become more apparent; her ability to hold herself together crumbles and the bodies pile up.

It's always fascinating to see how a monster is created and we are given an insight to Pearl's world and mind. The question of why Pearl is who she is is answered by her mother, who knows, understands and chooses to punish her. Her mother knows she is a monster and did nothing about it, instead resenting her daughter, making things worse.

The most important scene is a monologue where she confesses her atrocities and inner feelings to her sister-in-law, who really has no idea what Pearl is truly like and unwittingly gets Pearl to be truthful. But as this film is meant to serve as a witness to Pearl's first crimes, despite alluding to enjoying killing animals prior to the start of the film, we are left with more questions.

Taking inspiration from lighter musicals such as The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins and blending them with classic horror films makes for an unhinged story. Pearl's aesthetics are very different to X and MaXXXine, as it's more of a character study, veering away from the slasher-like genre. Although an interesting and disturbing horror icon is born, the film as a whole doesn't quite have the spark you would expect and hope for. There are standout moments, Pearl's audition for one, and the final scenes where she embraces her true nature once more. On the whole, though, it feels as if there is something missing. Style and character are present, but the story is just not quite fully formed or satisfying.

Pearl is the beginning, and X is the demise; we are left to imagine what happened in the years between. It would have been interesting to see how and why Howard stayed with Pearl and what made him agree to any of her actions. As we never see husband and wife together in Pearl, only having insight into his letters and her explanation of how they got married in the first place, this relationship is never explored. Maybe that's a whole other story to be created.

4K Ultra HD Special Features

Presented in HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
New audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Bold Choices: a new interview with Director Ti West
The Mother: a new interview with Actor Tandi Wright
Absorb the Aesthetic: a new interview with Director of Photography Eliot Rockett
Going Technicolor: a new interview with Production Designer Tom Hammock
Hollywood Goes West: a video essay by Joe Wallace
Coming Out of Her Shell
Time After Time

Limited Edition Contents

Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Thinh Dinh
120-page book with new essays by Jenn Adams, Joel Harley, Mo Moshaty, Tori Potenza, Vannah Taylor and Nadine Whitney
6 collectors' art cards

Pearl will be released on Limited Edition 4K by Second Sight Films on 17 November