Mia Goth admits she thinks actors are ‘weird’ and she’s ‘socially awkward’ as she poses for kooky shoot

Mia Goth’s allure lies in her captivating performances and her offbeat, socially awkward persona, which she suggests might be why she gravitated toward acting. “The easy, charismatic ones great at parties don’t tend to be the best actors,” she muses. Following her interview, Goth showcased her unique style in a series of vibrant outfits, including a lime green two-piece skirt suit and a look reminiscent of Velma from Scooby-Doo—a purple cardigan, orange jumper, and grey skater skirt. She also posed with a glass of milk while wearing a red shift dress, matching tights, and heeled boots, embracing her playful side. Goth’s eclectic fashion choices continued with an exaggerated leopard-print dress and a dramatic black Victorian-style gown with a corset waist.

In her interview, Goth reflected on how her childhood shaped her, pushing back against recent claims that she dislikes acting. On the morning of our chat, she read an article accusing her of hating her craft, which left her stunned and indignant. Anyone familiar with her films knows that Goth embodies her characters in extreme, often disturbing situations with such intensity that it’s breathtaking. Her discussions about her craft are open, curious, and devoid of pretentiousness, making even the uninitiated feel like they should give acting a shot.

Mia Goth’s approach to acting is deeply rooted in the idea of performance as possession. Unlike other actors who have established themselves in horror, Goth’s characters are never just scream queens or victims; they are fierce, unapologetic, and complex. She admits that while horror wasn’t initially her focus, the genre has offered her some of her most rewarding roles. “Some of these roles are just too good not to do and are harder to find in other genres. I love how unhinged these women are. I would be such a different person if I didn’t have the chance to get to know these characters.”

Goth is currently filming Frankenstein for Guillermo del Toro, where she plays Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein’s fiancée, a character described in Mary Shelley’s novel as possessing an almost celestial beauty. Goth’s involvement suggests a modern twist on the classic tale, though she remains tight-lipped about the plot details. On her days off, she shadows del Toro on set, learning about the filmmaking process from a different perspective. “I’ve never done that before. It’s interesting to see how vastly different it feels when you’re not in front of the camera. It’s a whole other world.”

Goth admits to having rituals that help her connect with her roles, describing acting as the most liberating and confident she ever feels. “The most confident I ever feel is while on a film set. I know what feels right. I don’t need to seek validation the way I do in my day-to-day life. I just feel free.”

Behind her during our Zoom call is a backdrop of well-stacked bookshelves, filled with serious titles that suggest a collector’s taste. Dominating the room is a large photograph of Charles Bukowski, the hard-boiled writer whose raw and unpretentious style captivated Goth when she was 18. “I appreciate his blue-collar approach to writing. He’s not trying to be something he’s not. It’s refreshing.”

Goth gravitates toward actors who share a less philosophical approach to their craft, seeing acting not as an intellectual sport but as a visceral, feeling-based art. “You can’t think yourself into feeling. It’s like trying to grip smoke. You think you have it, and then it disappears.” This philosophy underscores her incredible, raw performances, which she attributes to losing herself in the moment.

Her collaboration with director Ti West has been especially fruitful, with their trilogy of films—X, Pearl, and MaXXXine—cementing her stardom. Goth plays dual roles as Maxine and Pearl, traversing different time periods and character arcs. The result is a tour de force that defies categorization. “I don’t know if I’ll have another role quite like Pearl again,” Goth reflects. Despite numerous award nominations, she remains humble about her achievements.

Goth’s approach to acting is deeply personal and self-taught. She finds inspiration from various sources, including David Mamet’s True and False, which she often reads to ground herself before a scene. “I came across a passage that clicked for the first time. It was about sitting in discomfort and not taking a breath beforehand. It’s about embracing vulnerability and fear in a scene.”

Her fearless performances are often amplified by West’s directorial eye, which lingers on Goth’s expressive face in pivotal moments. Their creative partnership began during the filming of X in New Zealand, where, amidst pandemic restrictions, West proposed staying to make a prequel focusing on Pearl’s backstory. They co-wrote the script together, blending their shared inspirations, from Dancer in the Dark to The Wizard of Oz.

Mia Goth’s reverence for unconventional characters and fearless storytelling has made her one of the most compelling actors of her generation. Her performances are unforgettable, as she continues to push boundaries and embrace the uncharted territory of her craft.