10 Unexpectedly Intense Performances In Horror Movies

10. Mia Goth - Pearl

In Ti West's X prequel, Mia Goth portrays Pearl Douglas, a frustrated farmer who aspires for stardom. And when she learns of a local audition for a touring dance troupe, Pearl will stop at nothing to fulfil her dream.

Though Mia Goth was superb in X, what she does here is something else entirely. While watching the titular antagonist mutilating animals, beating her invalid father, or masturbating to a scarecrow, it's obvious she's out of her mind. However, Goth finds the humanity in the role, depicting Pearl as a person drowning in unfulfilling responsibilities rather than a fame-craving dreamer. 

During the climax, Pearl speaks about all her sins, hopes, insecurities, and desires in a riveting eight-minute monologue that highlights how broken she is. She may sound insane during this sequence, but the desperation in her words and eyes is sure to tug on anyone's heartstrings. 

Despite the fact Pearl performs many unspeakable acts, the scariest aspect is her unhinged smile. Wicked grins may be a staple of the genre, but it's challenging to think of anyone who's had a smile as horrifying as the one Goth pulls during Pearl's closing credits.