In an interview with Variety, Maika Monroe talks shop about challenges, the indie horror scene, and her latest film, Longlegs. Known for her effervescent personality, the actress contrasts sharply with the intense, haunted characters she portrays on screen.
In Longlegs, directed by Oz Perkins, she takes on the role of Lee Harker, a high-strung FBI agent chasing a serial killer (played by Nicolas Cage) obsessed with the occult.
The Many Faces of Maika Monroe
Perkins was drawn to Monroe due to the striking contrast between her off-screen persona and on-screen performances. “The irreconcilable difference between Monroe’s personality and the characters she embodies is what drew me to her,” he says, inspired by her reserved, serious performance in the 2022 thriller Watcher.
Monroe’s ability to switch between her lively self and her intense characters has made her a standout in indie horror. Her breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed It Follows in 2014, a film that transformed the horror genre with its unique concept and strong female lead. Monroe’s performance in The Guest further cemented her status as a leading figure in indie horror.
Despite her success, Monroe maintains a grounded approach to her work. “Going Method doesn’t work for me,” she says. “As soon as we’re done with the day, I go back home and watch The Kardashians or something to shake it off.”
Monroe’s Journey to the Big Screen
Monroe’s journey to stardom wasn’t straightforward. Born to a construction worker father and a sign language interpreter mother, she was first introduced to acting at 13. After many rejections, she turned to kiteboarding, moving to the Dominican Republic at 17. However, her interest in acting was rekindled when she landed a role in The Guest, leading to her breakout in It Follows.
Longlegs and Nicolas Cage
In Longlegs, Monroe delivers one of her tensest performances yet. Her character, Lee Harker, is uncomfortable in most social situations, finding solace in analyzing crime scenes. Monroe’s portrayal is so convincing that even Cage, a veteran actor, admires her craft. “My feeling about Maika is that she’s effortless,” he says. “You immediately care about her, care about the character she’s playing.”
The film also marks a significant milestone for Monroe, who shares the screen with Cage in a single, pivotal scene. Perkins intentionally kept the actors apart until their on-screen meeting to heighten the tension. Monroe recalls the moment vividly: “I open the door, and it was incredible: I wasn’t in a room with Nic Cage; I was in a room with Longlegs.”
Monroe, Horror, and the Future.
Longlegs is set to introduce Maika Monroe to a wider audience. Her next project, They Follow, the long-anticipated sequel to It Follows, promises to bring her career full circle. “Being able to step back into this world with [director David Robert Mitchell] in this role that changed my career is very exciting,” Monroe says.
Reflecting on her career, Monroe is grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped her. “I love my job,” she says. “I want to continue to love it.” As she navigates the press cycle for Longlegs Monroe finds comfort in binge-watching Survivor, imagining herself as a contestant, ready to tackle the social challenges with her trademark laughter and resilience.