Over the storied history of cinema there has been a genre that exists within it. One that has been around since cameras first started rolling on moving pictures. That is the genre of horror, and within that genre, also since the beginning, there has been the trope of the “Scream Queen”. Since the start of horror movies a great many ladies have proudly worn that crown. From Fay Wray in ‘King Kong’ to Janet Leigh in ‘Psycho’ and all the way up to Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Halloween’ and Neve Campbell in ‘Scream’. In today’s era of horror cinema there are two women who have proudly planted themselves atop the mountain of horror. Those two women happen to be the indelible and incomparable Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega.
These two incredibly gifted women have carved out distinct niches for themselves in the history of horror, and they are doing it at the exact same time. While historically there has usually only been space for one to sit alone atop of the throne at a time such as Jamie Lee in the 70’s and 80’s or Neve Campbell in the 90’s and 2000’s, this is a special time in horror as both of this woman have shown they have the acting chops and charisma to transform the title of “Scream Queen” into their own. While historically speaking “Scream Queens” generally were just pretty faces who could scream loud and play the damsel in distress part. As the decades rolled on and new actresses began finding themselves adorned with the title, they started changing what makes a “Scream Queen” into something more multi-dimensional. Look at the change from Jamie Lee’s performance in the first ‘Halloween’ to ‘H20’ or the new ‘Halloween’ trilogy. She went from the damsel in distress to the tough as nails bad**s we all love. Or look at Neve Campbell in the ‘Scream’ franchise. She exudes toughness and resiliency throughout. It’s the constant evolution of what it means to be a “Scream Queen”.
In this current era of Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega dominating the genre, you have these two distinctive women who bring a boatload of uniqueness and charisma to the table. In terms of Mia Goth, you have a woman who can easily slide into the role of a supporting character (Suspiria) or take the reins as the lead (X Franchise). This woman is so talented that Ti West, who started with a one and done in ‘X’, saw the gold he had dug up within Mia Goth’s performance that he fashioned an entire franchise out of her character. Then look at Jenna Ortega, a young woman who burst onto the scene at arguably the same exact time as Mia Goth and has proven herself to be a powerhouse in the horror genre. While she is part of a new ensemble cast in the current ‘Scream’ franchise, she has clearly taken the lead away from the great Neve Campbell. Her performance in the last two ‘Scream’ movies has been mesmerizing to say the least. She embodies all the traits of both a “Scream Queen” and a “Final Girl”. Also, we can’t mention these two generational talents without focusing on their other contributions to this genre of film that we love.
Mia Goth, aside from the ‘X’ franchise, has gifted us with remarkable performances in ‘A Cure For Wellness’, ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Infinity Pool’. She is leaving a lasting mark in the horror genre that will long be remembered by horror fans for generations to come. With Jenna Ortega, looking past the aforementioned ‘Scream’ franchise, she also gave standout performances in ‘X’ as well, ‘The Babysitter: Killer Queen’ and ‘American Carnage’. Plus, one cannot discuss her impact on the horror genre without mentioning her titular role in ‘Wednesday’. While not technically horror, it still exists within the spooky realm. She has taken that role and not only thrived in it but made it 100% her own. Assuredly these two women have within them talents that will take them far outside the horror genre, but presently speaking they are both existing comfortably in it and redefining what it means to be a “Scream Queen”.
