While Ti West’s ode to slasher films “X” started with promise, it ultimately succumbed to a slew of missteps that left it feeling like a trashy knock-off rather than something refreshing and new. Now it has a prequel titled “Pearl”, and after seeing its stylish first trailer, I can say this one looks to deliver everything I had hoped “X” would. And with it set to premiere in a few weeks at the Venice Film Festival, we won’t have long to wait.

“Pearl” (which was written during the production of “X” and shot right after the first film wrapped) sees a returning Mia Goth player the titular character Pearl, the psychotic killer who butchered a group of wannabe porn stars in “X”. This film sets out to tell her backstory and the glimpses we are given are as bonkers as they are bloody. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, but I really like what I see here.

“Pearl” hits theaters September 16th. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.