Mia Goth’s Role in ‘A Cure for Wellness’ and Its Homage to Horror Classics

Mia Goth has established herself as a notable figure in modern horror cinema, often referred to as a “Scream Queen” for her roles in films such as “Infinity Pool,” the 2018 remake of “Suspiria,” and Ti West‘s X trilogy. However, her performance in “A Cure for Wellness,” released in 2016, has not received the recognition it may deserve.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, “A Cure for Wellness” follows the story of Dane DeHaan’s character, Lockhart, who is sent to retrieve his boss from a mysterious wellness center located in the Swiss Alps. During his mission, Lockhart uncovers a dark conspiracy involving Goth’s enigmatic character, Hannah. The film is noted for its blend of Gothic mystery and psychological horror.

The storyline and aesthetic of “A Cure for Wellness” draw inspiration from classic horror elements, reminiscent of Universal’s monster movies, but are also inspired by Thomas Mann‘s 1924 novel, “The Magic Mountain.” In the film, Jason Isaacs portrays Dr. Heinreich Volmer, a character who embodies monstrous traits similar to Dr. Frankenstein. Volmer is initially portrayed as a benign figure but is later revealed to be a malevolent, centuries-old scientist conducting experiments on locals to create a serum for eternal life.

Volmer’s character serves as the film’s “monster,” paralleling iconic figures such as Frankenstein's Monster and Lon Chaney’s Phantom from “The Phantom of the Opera.” His experiments aim to maintain purity within his bloodline, highlighting themes of obsession and perversion seen in classic horror narratives.

Director Gore Verbinski, known for his work in “The Ring” and the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, helmed “A Cure for Wellness,” infusing it with references to various horror classics. Verbinski’s involvementadds a layer of cinematic credibility to the film, appealing to genre enthusiasts who appreciate its stylistic nods to history.

The film’s visuals and camerawork have drawn comparisons to other slow-burn horror movies, such as “The Shining,” allowing it to stand out in a market often dominated by films relying on jump scares. Despite its unique attributes and aesthetic execution, “A Cure for Wellness” did not achieve commercial success, possibly due to its departure from mainstream horror conventions.