Guillermo del Toro is a director whose larger-than-life visions are always executed with beauty on the screen. His older movies like Hellboy with its sequel and Pans Labyrinth have earned him much critical and audience acclaim. His new movies like The Shape of Water from 2017 and the stop-motion Guillore del Torro’s Pinocchio in 2024 had thrown him more into the mainstream. Now, in 2025, Del Torro’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has caught the attention of many more.
Oscar Issac’s portrayal of Frakenstein is lively and captures the passionate yet stubborn nature of the doctor. I was very impressed by Jacob Elordi’s performance as the creature as well. Elordi dedicates so much emotion into the role, and his heavy emotions (and makeup) throughout are inspiring to see.
I cannot talk about this movie without mentioning Elizabeth, played by Mia Goth. She truly embraces every gothic horror element. Heck, could her name not be more perfect?
From the X movie series to Frankenstein, Mia Goth gives fabulously haunting performances all around. She is one of many memorable actresses of recent years. In her early years, Mia Goth found herself in the modeling industry, working with Prada, Miu Miu, Vogue, and other popular brands and magazines.
Goth’s first film success was with her role in 2013’s Nymphomaniac. Goth later went to star in Surprisia, Emma, and Mayday. She has also worked on television, playing Sophie Campbell on The Tunnel. She made her breakout role as Pearl in the X movie series, from 2022 to 2024. Her performance as Pearl is fantastic. Here is where audiences finally got a taste of the horror side. This role led to several award nominations. She would win the Sitges Film Festival award for “Best Actress” in 2022 and the Critics’ Choice Super Awards for “Best Actress in a Horror Movie” and Best Villian in a Horror Movie” in 2023 respectfully.
This brings us to today, and Goth’s career is now at new heights after Frankenstein. Her own spin on the character of Elizabeth stands out. Unlike other Frankenstein adaptations and retellings, Elizabeth is more than her own person, is strong in her moral beliefs, and is incredibly elegant and intelligent.
Goth’s performance emphasizes this new exploration of Elizabeth’s character. Her grace and style on screen are present in her acting, her character’s gorgeous clothing, and her emotionality with the other characters. Goth’s way to display emotions through glares, glances, and actions is impressive. Every line she delivers has a purpose, and she is a hauntingly beautiful presence in the film.
Mia Goth is not at all done with her acting career, and things only seem to be going up from here. Recently, Goth was announced to be in another famous book adaptation, playing Melantho in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated The Odyssey. Goth was also announced to have been cast in a new Star Wars project titled Star Wars: Starfighter.
I highly recommend checking out Frankenstein (2025) if you have not already seen the magical performance Mia Goth delivers. You will not regret it.