Netflix And Chill: XX (2017)

A horror anthology movie written and directed by women, hence the title (the two sex chromosomes that females typically have), XX is a film that I had heard a lot of negative talk about, so viewed with a small amount of trepidation. Thankfully, I enjoyed it a lot more than some other people. None of the segments are new favourites, but none are complete stinkers either.

There's an odd, and oddly enjoyable, wraparound that involves somelovely and dark animation, and the main stories are as follows: The Box (w/d: Jovanka Vuckovic, based on a story by Jack Ketchum) is all about a stranger who carries a box that a young boy looks inside, The Birthday Cake (d: Annie Clark, co-written with Roxanne Benjamin) is about a stressed mother trying to keep everything perfect for her young daughter's birthday party, Don't Fall (w/d: Roxanne Benjamin) is about a camper trip that goes awry, and Her Only Living Son (w/d: Karyn Kusama) is about a mother struggling to watch her son change as he approaches his eighteenth birthday.

Without meaning to offend the talented women working here, it's impressive that XX was put together with so many names that didn't have much of a proven track record, in terms of directed projects. Kusama has the most experience, which is perhaps why she has the tale that takes up the most breathing space, and Benjamin had a hand in the most excellent Southbound, but Vuckovic has only a handful of (admittedly well-received) shorts to her name, and this was the first directorial outing for Clark. There's enough consistency here, however, that you wouldn't really know who was newer to their role and who had been doing directorial work for years. It's an impressive selection of tales, handled well, and good to showcase the skills of everyone involved.

Considering the fact that three of the tales revolve around caring for children, and the third has some sibling dynamics between a brother and sister that will feel familiar to many, you can see that this is a film with, perhaps, a different look at things than the standard male gaze. It's a horror anthology, first and foremost, however, and the choices and style serve that, with plenty to chew on after the film is over for those wanting to consider how different this could have been if it wasn't also a chance to put women together and let them take an opportunity more often afforded to men.

Every tale is well-served by a talented cast. The biggest name is Melanie Lynskey, who elevates "The Birthday Cake" far above what it otherwise would have been, but everyone does a great job, with other highlights including the performances from Natalie Brown in "The Box" and that of Christina Kirk in "Her Only Living Son". Nobody really stands out in "Don't Fall", but that's simply down to the material being much more visceral and less focused on strong family bonds.

Viewed as a project that temporarily pushes women to the fore in the horror genre, this is a great success. But, and more importantly for any viewer who just stumbles across the film and decides to give it a go, it is a decent anthology movie for those who enjoy the form.

7/10

XX can be bought here.
Americans can buy it here.