X

Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Boogie Nights in Ti West’s X, a collection of promising scenes and details sorely lacking compelling connective tissue or much of a point.

Despite an opening shot that tricks viewers into thinking the film will be presented in the Academy ratio and suggests plenty of similar playfulness ahead, that potential is rarely explored — until a giddy, colorful post-credits trailer that feels like a pitch for Grindhouse 2.

Along with West’s surprisingly straightforward tone, the main issue plaguing the 1979-set tale of six Houstonians (played by Mia Goth, Scott Mescudi, and a few other recognizable faces) who head to the county to shoot an artful porno is its lack of stakes.

Though there’s a moderately thick air of tension from the group’s rental cabin’s elderly owners (including a heavily made-up Goth in a separate role) and a smartly filmed overhead shot conveys other dangers nearby, the making of the movie-within-the-movie presents few challenges. And while several characters complain about their lives and dream of stardom, none seem to be in truly desperate situations.

That’s not much foundation from which to work once the conflict shifts to the visitors simply staying alive, especially without a well-rounded protagonist to root for. Instead, the farmland murder spree takes center stage with some masterfully enacted moments of gore and a decent amount of humor keeping the pace active, yet an unexpected degree of restraint provides multiple hiccups.

The combination winds up being sufficiently entertaining and Goth in dual roles is certainly impressive, but the film’s weaknesses nevertheless feel unnecessary and easily avoidable, leaving X in mild recommendation territory.

Grade: B-minus. Rated R. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande

(Photo: A24)