If you’ve been here for a while, then you know that I have a thing for vampires, beautiful horror movies, and the “good for her” subgenre. But I don’t think I’ve talked enough about my love for sleazy, silly movies. You might assume this is because most people would consider them a guilty pleasure, but I personally don’t believe in guilty pleasures. And I don’t feel guilty for enjoying a movie like Angel, even if the plot sounds questionable on paper.
The other reason why I don’t feel guilty about it is because it’s one of Ti West’s inspirations for MaXXXine, the third and final installment of the X trilogy. During the red carpet premiere for MaXXXine last year, West included Angel in his “Four Favorites,” calling it a “classic,” even though he believes that “there are better movies.” Now, I’m not saying my taste is better than his, but I think Angel is a perfect movie. I also love that it’s streaming for free right now on Tubi.
Released in 1984, Angel follows Molly (Donna Wilkes), a fifteen-year-old honor student with pigtails and good grades. At night, she becomes Angel, a confident, high-heel-wearing sex worker on Hollywood Boulevard. But when she and her “street family” are targeted by a necrophiliac serial killer who’s preying on sex workers in the area, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to keep her two lives separate.
Watch Ti West Talk About ‘Angel’ Below:
As one viewer wrote on Letterboxd, “For a movie about a 15-year-old prostitute and a necrophiliac serial killer, this gets seriously wholesome at times. There is obviously plenty of sleaze here as well, and some fairly horrific moments, but I don’t think Angel is defined by it. It’s actually a very well-rounded movie with a lot of heart.”
Now, before you jump into the comments, let me clarify something: Wilkes was 24 years old when she played Molly, so we can all relax. The other reason why Angel shouldn’t be considered a guilty pleasure is that, despite the admittedly bonkers plot synopsis, the film never treats Molly or the other sex workers and street performers like a joke, and it doesn’t punish them because of their professions. Considering the subject matter and the time period, the film is quite sympathetic to her and those around her.
Watch the trailer below:
If you’re a fan of sleazy slashers or neo-noir thrillers like Maniac or Hardcore, or you’re interested in sex-positive looks at labor and autonomy like in the underrated film Working Girls, then this is absolutely worth checking out on Tubi.
And if you’ve seen Angel before West recommended it, or if you were already a fan way before MaXXXine, let me know in the comments below or on Instagram and X: @ashjenexi.
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