XX

XX, produced in 2017, is a revolutionary anthology film that celebrates female story-telling and places a spotlight on an array of narratives directed by empowered feminist voices in the depths of the horror genre. Drawing upon their vast array of skill, talent, and creative ingenuity, four female directors,

featuring Roxanne Benjamin, St. Vincent, Karen Kusama, and Jovanka Vuckovic, each bring a distinct tale of dread to the table.

Starring Natalie Brown, Jonathan Watton, and Peter DaCunha, alongside an array of other talented performers, XX stitches together four intricate and emotive stories, painting a rich, complex tapestry of the human condition viewed through the distinctly feminine lens. The anthology aims not only to entertain, but to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and open dialogues about the female experience in the often male-dominant film industry, particularly in the horror genre. Through this approach, it injects a fresh perspective into the genre whilst maintaining its chilling and suspenseful core.

The first short film of the series is named "The Box", which was written and directed by talented filmmaker, Jovanka Vuckovic. In this segment, the audience encounters a family whose life takes a drastic turn after their son peeks into a stranger's mysterious box during a subway ride. Anchored by strong performances from the enigmatic Natalie Brown as Susan and Peter DaCunha as Danny, the narrative is haunting, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling.

The second installment, titled "The Birthday Party", sees the directorial debut of rock musician St. Vincent. It offers an eerie, darkly comic tale that unravels during an upper-class mother's attempt at throwing the perfect birthday party for her daughter, while keeping a macabre secret swept under the rug. Natalie Brown reappears in this piece, along with Jonathan Watton, and their performances give life to this uniquely bizarre notion with both humour and horror.

" Don't Fall”, directed by Roxanne Benjamin, is the third story in this anthology. It follows a group of young adults as they embark on an adventure into the desert, only to have their trip take a horrific turn of events. Shot with stylish direction and primitive horrors, it manages to convey a close-knit, claustrophobic nightmare under the vast, open skies of a natural wilderness.

Lastly, "Her Only Living Son" is helmed by the visionary Karen Kusama. Through a narrative centered around a mother, portrayed by Christina Kirk, and her unnervingly strange teenage son, it delves into themes of sacrifice, paranoia and unconditional love.

Brought to life with evocative cinematography and engaging performances, XX finds its collective strength in the nuanced exploration of its various themes from female objectification to motherhood, the sins of the past, and the undeniable power of circumstance, all with a darkly comical and nightmarish edge.

Furthermore, the anthology also features captivating animation by Sofia Carrillo, serving as a bridging narrative between each story. Carrilio’s surreal and artistically rendered stop-motion animation further enhances the movie’s eerie atmosphere, serving as an engaging narrative thread that appropriately sets the tone for each tale.

XX presents a bold and intriguing contribution to the horror genre. It is a celebration of female vision, as well as a frightening exploration of the darker side of humanity seen through a female perspective. Its accomplished performance from the incorporation of animation to the strong acting masterclass notably from Natalie Brown, Jonathan Watton, and Peter DaCunha, makes it an unforgettable viewing experience. It is these elements that draw viewers into the world of XX and keep them riveted until the final frame.