The following contains spoilers for MaXXXine, now playing in theaters

MaXXXine‘s ending underscores one of the central themes of the entire X trilogy, and highlights how it can (potentially) be the key to personal growth and success. MaXXXine is the third entry in the Ti West written/directed horror series. MaXXXine brings back Mia Goth’s Maxine Minx, the only survivor of X. Now living in Los Angeles in 1985, Maxine’s attempts to break into a film career are threatened by a mysterious private investigator, a pair of detectives, and a mysterious killer all seemingly caught in her orbit.

By the end of MaXXXine‘s grisly story, the film has racked up a solid number of bodies and uncovered some grisly mysteries. However, it’s ultimately a happy — if quietly ambiguous — ending that could quietly even set the stage for the series to continue with a fourth film that further delves into Maxine’s fate. Here’s how the ending of MaXXXine connects to the entire X trilogy and what it all means.

Who Is The Killer In MaXXXine? Identity, Motive, & Plan Explained

The Real Villain Of MaXXXine Has A Deep Connection To Maxine

Central to the plot of MaXXXine, the identity of the killer stalking Maxine Minx is the core mystery of the film. It’s eventually revealed that the killer is Ernest Miller, a powerful televangelist and Maxine’s father. Convinced that Hollywood is corrupting the youth, Miller has come to Los Angeles as part of the protests against films like The Priest. However, he takes things further by killing those around Maxine who he can’t “save” like Maxine’s friend Leon, actresses like Molly, or adult film stars like Tabby and Molly.

Ernest hired John Labat to follow Maxine, and is the overarching threat throughout MaXXXine. His motivation is to force Maxine back at his side, using her as the “star” of his amateur movie revealing the dark forces of Hollywood. He comes close to maiming her in the process, with the timely arrival of Detectives Williams and Torres saving her. Miller’s criticism of the violence in entertainment is contrasted against his murderous tendencies, highlighting the hypocrisy baked into the character’s arguments. He’s a direct foil to Maxine, having taught her to fight for the life she “deserves.”

Maxine’s Dream Sequence Explained

Does Maxine Actually Get A Happy Ending In MaXXXine?

MaXXXine ends in a quietly ambiguous way. After Maxine corners her father following a bloody shoot-out between his cult and the LAPD detectives, the pair are spotted by a police helicopter. The cops demand Maxine lower her gun, leading Maxine to imagine a scenario where she turns the chaos of recent events into a quick ascent to global stardom. Snapping back to reality, Maxine kills her father. The film then seemingly cuts to a month later, revealing Maxine has faced no clear legal repercussions. In fact, her performance in The Priest II is setting her up for stardom.

Given her role in the film’s climax, Maxine’s quick success can feel unlikely. While the final sequence of MaXXXine is implied to be real and that Maxine has earned her shot at stardom, the credits reveal elements of the world that are different — including the Hollywood Sign being replaced with MaXXXine. It could be a clever way to feature the title for the film, or it could be taken as a hint that Maxine’s happy ending is just another dream she’s imagining. It introduces some interesting ambiguity to the finale, and is a solid way to close out the film.

Does Detective Williams Die In MaXXXine’s Ending?

Audiences Never See Michelle Monaghan’s Detective Williams Actually Die

Played by Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale respectively, Detective Williams and Detective Torres are two of the supporting characters in MaXXXine. Their investigation into killings across Los Angeles brings them into Maxine’s orbit. Following her to her confrontation with Ernest, the pair end up saving her life. In the ensuing shoot-out, Torres is fatally wounded and dies in front of Maxine. Detective Williams is instead stabbed in the eye by Ernest with his crucifix.

Detective Williams is last seen tumbling down the Hollywood Hills, leaving her fate somewhat ambiguous. However, since she doesn’t die on-screen and doesn’t seem to be suffering from a fatal injury, it’s entirely possible Detective Williams survived. Her potential survival could help explain how Maxine escapes any repercussions for the events of the finale, as she could offer testimony in Maxine’s defense. It could also allow the character to return if there’s any potential extension of the series beyond MaXXXine.

How MaXXXine Sets Up A Fourth X Movie

MaXXXine‘s Sequel Could Go In Lots Of Directions

Initially, it appears that MaXXXine is the concluding chapter in a specific trilogy of films. However, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Ti West confirmed that he’s been developing a potential follow-up that could continue the X franchise. It’s possible that the prospective fourth X movie could be like Pearl and shift focus away from Maxine, giving MaXXXine star Mia Goth a different role to play. Recreating the in-universe movie The Priest II which stars Maxine could be a fun meta experiment, playing with the conventions of the genre.

A fourth film in the X series could reveal more about Maxine’s fate, as well as that of Detective Williams. It could resolve the ending of the film, confirming if Maxine’s final successes were real or just another figment of her imagination. The film could explore more of her career as she ascends into stardom, or showcase her struggling to keep the fame she’s spent her whole life chasing. While MaXXXine does end on a strong note, there’s enough potential baked into the ending that a fourth X film could easily explore further.

The Real Meaning Of MaXXXine’s Ending & The X Trilogy

Empowerment

MaXXXine‘s ending plays into the general themes of the entire trilogy, highlighting the dangerous allure, fatal consequences, and potential success of striving for stardom. Maxine’s big emotional turn comes when she resists the temptation to simply ignore the dangers around her and actually help someone, following through on Detective William’s earlier advice. While this does place her in mortal danger, it’s a noble beat that seems to be rewarded with a happy ending for Maxine.

MaXXXine highlights how people will try to force the world to bend to their version of it, instead of powering through themselves. In previous films, Pearl lashed out at the world that didn’t turn out like she wanted. In MaXXXine, both Labat and Ernest try to force Maxine to play by their rules, only to get countered and killed by the resilient young woman. The series as a whole, and MaXXXine especially, is about the empowerment Maxine finds to survive a brutal world, and highlights the challenges and rewards awaiting those willing to fight for their journey.

Source: Entertainment Weekly