Mia Goth, renowned for her transformative performances in the horror genre, is poised to deliver her most profound role yet in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein. Shifting focus from overt terror to the novel’s overlooked romantic core, Goth will inhabit not one, but two pivotal characters—Elizabeth Lavenza and Claire Frankenstein—promising an emotionally rich adaptation that delves deep into love, loss, and the human spirit.
The cinematic world is abuzz as Mia Goth prepares to unveil her most ambitious undertaking: a dual role in Guillermo del Toro’s faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein. Known affectionately as a modern “scream queen” for her chilling performances in hits like the X trilogy and Infinity Pool, Goth is now stepping into a new realm, exploring the hidden romanticism and profound humanity at the heart of Shelley’s classic tale. This marks a significant departure from previous adaptations, which often prioritized the gothic horror elements over the novel’s tender undercurrents.
Embodying Elizabeth: A New Challenge Beyond Fear
In del Toro’s vision, Goth’s portrayal of Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor Frankenstein’s fiancée, transcends typical horror tropes. Instead of merely succumbing to fear, Elizabeth becomes a beacon of love, loss, and resilience. “Elizabeth is such a complex mix of love, loss, and strength—she feels very human, even in this dark, surreal world,” Goth shared with ELLE. Her goal was to infuse the character with deep emotion, showcasing her heart and courage amidst tragedy.
This emotional depth presented a unique challenge for the English actress. Goth noted that her past roles often leaned into psychological horror or survival, but Elizabeth felt different. “She’s softer in some ways, but her emotions run so deep. It wasn’t about fear this time—it was more about love, heartbreak, and finding light in something tragic,” Goth explained. This approach promises a nuanced performance that explores the profound human cost of Victor Frankenstein’s ambition.
The Groundbreaking Dual Role: Elizabeth and Claire
A significant revelation concerning Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is Mia Goth’s portrayal of not one, but two intertwined women: Elizabeth Lavenza and a character named Claire Frankenstein. This dual casting adds an extraordinary layer of complexity to the narrative, forcing Goth to navigate distinct emotional spectrums. Del Toro reportedly envisioned Goth for both parts from the very beginning, expressing confidence in her ability to handle such a demanding artistic challenge. This choice transforms Goth into the story’s emotional axis, allowing her to reflect humanity’s fragile connection between creation, love, and destruction through dual perspectives. This detail was widely reported in film circles, including by publications like Variety.
Motherhood and its Profound Influence
Beyond the technical demands of a dual role, Goth revealed that her personal experience with motherhood deeply shaped her approach to Frankenstein. She explained that having a daughter “informed a lot of my choices, and enriched the process,” viewing parenting as an emotional training ground. This newfound perspective has also made Goth more selective about her projects, requiring her to “justify” time away from her child by seeking out roles with greater meaning and depth. During filming, her daughter’s presence often provided a grounding force, allowing Goth to tap into maternal instincts in scenes steeped in loss, longing, and protection.
Behind the Scenes with Del Toro and Elordi
The collaborative environment fostered by Guillermo del Toro proved pivotal for Goth’s performance. She confessed to feeling immense pressure and fear about “ruining” the film, telling “the outlet” that she had “never been so scared stepping into a movie.” However, del Toro’s guidance, described by Goth as an “asks for truth, not performance,” helped her access new emotional depths. He tailored the script around her intuitive style, his fearlessness inspiring him to reshape certain scenes and describing her ability to convey complex emotions gracefully.
Her chemistry with co-star Jacob Elordi, who plays the Creature, was equally impactful. Goth described seeing Elordi in full creature makeup for the first time as “deeply emotional,” an eerie yet beautiful testament to the artistry involved. Discussions between takes, focusing on themes like fear, empathy, and moral consequence, further enriched their onscreen intimacy, creating unscripted, powerful moments captured by del Toro’s camera.
Fashion and the Frankenstein Spirit
Even off-screen, Goth meticulously connected to her character’s gothic spirit. For the special screening at The Paris Theater in New York City, she chose a transparent Ferragamo minidress from the fall/winter 2025 collection, complete with a lace panel. Complementing this modern gothic ensemble was a suite of jewelry from Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co., pieces she also wore on her ELLE cover and as part of the film’s official partnership with Netflix. Goth emphasized, “Wearing the Tiffany & Co. archival pieces really helped me get into the character and transcend the role,” highlighting her deep connection to the novel’s and film’s historical context.
The Evolution of a Fearless Actress
Frankenstein is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in Goth’s career, potentially propelling her into Oscar conversations. Industry insiders expect her dual roles to showcase an unmatched range, extending her reputation beyond arthouse horror. Goth herself describes the film as an emotional journey that “goes beyond horror,” focusing on beauty, grief, and love through human vulnerability.
Looking ahead, Goth hopes to continue exploring diverse facets of her range, from dark comedies to true period pieces, similar to her role in the adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. “I’ve always been excited about new challenges and worlds that feel unexpected for me,” she affirmed. Her unwavering pursuit of “truth” in her performances, rather than awards, underscores her commitment to authentic storytelling, promising a captivating future for this fearless actress.
