Mia Gothic Horror
by Dean Patrick
Last year, Mia Goth publicly called out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), better known as The Oscars, for their persistent snubbing of horror films and performances. She was particularly vocal about the Academy’s neglect of outstanding performances, and she’s absolutely right—especially when considering the work being done in this decade.
The 2020s opened with the most perhaps the most powerful performance up to this day with Joaquin Phoenix’s 2020 Oscar win in Joker. I can’t see Phoenix’s riveting display of torment and tragedy as anything other than horror. Up until a few weeks ago I hadn’t seen a more harrowing performance in the past 4 years from any genre. Until I saw Nicolas Cage’s in Longlegs. But that’s a later blog.
Yet, Mia Goth is making a compelling case to challenge the above mentioned. In a decade marked by global upheaval, it’s horror that has resonated most powerfully with audiences, and Goth has become one of its most chilling and effective voices. When she spoke about the Academy’s lack of recognition for performances like Toni Collette’s in Hereditary or her own recent roles, she emphasized, “I think a change is necessary. A shift should take place…”
Goth’s latest film, MaXXXine, the third installment of Ti West’s X-film trilogy, sees her character, Maxine Minx, navigating the violent, neon-soaked landscape of 1980s Los Angeles. This film marks her fourth horror feature this decade and is easily the strongest entry in the trilogy. Goth’s earlier horror work, including 2017’s masterful A Cure for Wellness directed by Gore Verbinski, and the same year’s Marrowbone directed by Sergio G. Sánchez, provided a glimpse of the raw talent that would soon dominate the genre.
Early last year, Goth starred in Infinity Pool, which I still hold as the best horror film of the decade (you can read that blog, here: Dean’s Pick of the Month). With the release of MaXXXine, it’s clear that what Goth has accomplished over the last four years is truly rare—a screen presence that is guaranteed to leave you both disturbed and haunted.
In case you’ve missed out on the phenomenon that is Mia Gothic Horror, here’s a recap:
X (2022, Directed by Ti West)
Mia Goth’s first role in West’s trilogy introduced her as Maxine Minx, an aspiring actress working on the production sets of 1970s adult films. This 2022 slasher film follows a group of filmmakers in 1979 as they travel to rural Texas to shoot an adult movie. They soon find themselves in a terrifying struggle for survival when they encounter an elderly couple with dark secrets. Goth’s dual roles as both Maxine and Pearl, the elderly wife, are pivotal in enhancing the film’s terrifying atmosphere.
Pearl (2022, Directed by Ti West)
In Pearl, Goth steps into the title role, exploring the backstory of the elderly wife from X. This prequel, set in 1918, dives into Pearl’s early years, portraying a young woman trapped on her family’s isolated farm, dreaming of stardom while grappling with repressive parents and her own dark fantasies. Goth’s portrayal of Pearl’s descent into madness is nothing short of astonishing, culminating in a finale that shocks with both its violence and the sheer intensity of her performance.
Infinity Pool (2023, Directed by Brandon Cronenberg)
Starring alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Goth shines in this sci-fi horror film that follows a couple on vacation who discover a dark, hedonistic world at a secluded resort. After a tragic accident, they are drawn into a nightmarish reality involving cloning, violence, and moral decay, challenging their perceptions of identity and humanity. This film, with its exploration of excess and consequence, is a standout horror piece of the decade, and Goth’s performance is central to its unsettling power.
MaXXXine (2024, Directed by Ti West)
In the final chapter of the X-film trilogy, Goth returns as Maxine Minx, now roaring through 1980s Los Angeles after landing the lead role in a horror film. As she navigates the glamorous but dangerous world of Hollywood, a serial killer begins stalking the city. The film features a remarkable scene where Kevin Bacon’s character chases Goth’s Maxine around the grounds of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho house—this moment alone is worth the price of admission. Goth’s portrayal in MaXXXine is a triumphant close to a trilogy that has redefined modern horror.
Mia Goth dominates the genre because she approaches it with the seriousness and intensity it deserves. Her performances are laden with a palpable threat—whether she’s ripping out your throat, plunging a knife into your back, or watching as an axe splits open your skull, Goth delivers with unnerving realism. She can scream in ways that are relentless and unsettling, and she has the unique ability to shift from seductive to psychotic in an instant, leaving audiences unsure whether she’s acting or truly descending into madness.
Such dedication and talent in horror are rare, making Mia Goth a treat for fans of the genre. Her work isn’t just memorable; it’s transformative, elevating the films she stars in and leaving an indelible mark on anyone who watches them.
Enjoy, my fine readers!
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