Mia Goth’s Reluctant Rise: From Indie Darling to Blockbuster Star

There’s a certain inevitability in the way the film industry latches onto its latest fascination, eager to cast them in every conceivable project. While this approach can sometimes backfire, in Mia Goth’s case, it has only served to highlight her remarkable range. Rather than being thrust into the limelight overnight, she has methodically built a reputation for herself, taking on a series of challenging roles that have steadily propelled her to the forefront of contemporary cinema.

Goth’s introduction to audiences was anything but conventional. Making her debut in Lars Von Trier’s provocative Nymphomaniac at just 19, she immediately signalled her willingness to embrace difficult material. Yet it was her collaboration with Ti West on a trio of horror films—X, Pearl, and MaXXXine—that truly cemented her status. Each instalment offered a distinct narrative and tone, but it was Goth’s performances that provided the connective tissue, moving seamlessly from vulnerable starlet to menacing matriarch to a character teetering on the edge of sanity. Her work in these films, particularly the now-iconic “I’m a star!” moment and a gripping nine-minute monologue in Pearl, has already left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

Chasing Complexity: Goth’s Approach to Her Craft

What sets Goth apart is her appetite for roles that challenge both herself and the viewer. She has spoken candidly about her philosophy, insisting that art should provoke and unsettle. Her own feelings about her profession are far from straightforward. In a recent interview, she confessed,

The truth is, I hate acting. Acting is actually the hardest thing to do. It’s this elusive thing, and you think you have it – it’s like trying to grip smoke. (But) I love it so much.

This tension between aversion and passion seems to fuel her performances, lending them a raw, unpredictable energy.

Her transition from independent productions to larger-scale projects has been gradual but unmistakable. Goth’s recent turn in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein for Netflix saw her once again command attention, while her role in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool showcased her ability to lead audiences through a labyrinth of psychological and physical extremes. The film, a feverish blend of seduction and horror, stands as a testament to her willingness to take risks and push boundaries.

On the Verge of Blockbuster Fame

Now, with her profile higher than ever, Goth is poised to take on some of the most anticipated roles in the industry. She is set to appear opposite Ryan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter, due in 2027, and will feature in Christopher Nolan’s much-talked-about The Odyssey, scheduled for a global IMAX release next July. Additionally, she has been cast in the upcoming reboot of Marvel’s Blade, a project that has faced its share of delays. Goth, however, remains unfazed, remarking that the creative team’s commitment to quality is reassuring:

Want to make a great movie. That’s the sense that I get from them, and that feels good.

Born in London, Goth’s ascent from art-house beginnings to the upper echelons of mainstream cinema has been anything but ordinary. Her choices reflect a desire to keep audiences guessing, and her performances continue to defy easy categorisation. As she steps into some of the most high-profile roles of her career, she remains a singular presence—unpredictable, compelling, and never less than fascinating.