The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Pearl
Entertainment • Film

Pearl

Pearl is a 2022 American horror film directed, produced, and edited by Ti West.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pearl is a 2022 American horror film directed, produced, and edited by Ti West. It is a prequel to X (2022) and follows the origin story of Pearl, a young woman living on a Texas farm in 1918 who dreams of becoming a movie star while descending into violence.

Plot

The film follows Pearl, a young woman isolated on her family’s farm in 1918 Texas, as she dreams of escaping her life and becoming a star. Her ambitions, frustration, and violent impulses drive the story.

Production and release

Pearl was directed, produced, and edited by Ti West, with West and Mia Goth credited as screenwriters. It premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2022, and later opened theatrically in the United States through A24 on September 16, 2022.

Place in the X film series

Pearl is the second installment in Ti West’s X film series. It is a prequel to X (2022) and expands the backstory of the character Pearl.

Key facts

  • Pearl is the second installment in Ti West’s X film series.
  • The film is set in 1918 on a Texas family farm.
  • Mia Goth plays the title character Pearl and also co-wrote the screenplay.
  • The story functions as an origin story for the villain from X.
  • The film premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2022.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was part of the wider North American theatrical release circuit and is of interest to Canadian film audiences as an internationally released A24 horror title.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pearl?
Pearl is a 2022 American horror film and prequel to X, focusing on the earlier life of the character Pearl.
Who directed Pearl?
Pearl was directed, produced, and edited by Ti West.
Who stars in Pearl?
Mia Goth stars as Pearl, with supporting roles by David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, and Emma Jenkins-Purro.
When was Pearl released?
It premiered on September 3, 2022, at Venice and was released in U.S. theatres on September 16, 2022.
What is Pearl about?
Set in 1918, it follows Pearl on her family’s Texas farm as she pursues fame and becomes increasingly violent.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_(2022_film)
    Supports: Director, release year, setting, cast, relation to X, Venice premiere, and U.S. theatrical release.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pearl_2022
    Supports: Genre, director, release date, runtime, rating, and box office.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pearl-movie-review-2022
    Supports: Plot context and character motivation.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pearl
    Supports: Prequel status, setting, cast, and runtime.