by Cookie N Screen
Horror movies have always showcased promising lady talent when choosing their Scream Queens. From the wailing Jamie Lee Curtis to the despairing Neve Campbell, women in the helm of horror movies often beat with a strong personality. Ok. Ok. So that may not be entirely true as some tick off every cliché box, especially with their better than thou virginal ways. But there is no denying that these acclaimed actresses came with praise and many have continued their career with heaps of talent.
In recent years, the role of Scream Queen hasn’t been entirely fleshed out. With blonde empty vessels screaming in the wrong direction, it’s easy to lump all heroines in the same trope bin. Then along comes Maika Monroe, at the young age of 22, and everyone immediately sat up and paid attention.
Horror movies have always showcased promising lady talent when choosing their Scream Queens. From the wailing Jamie Lee Curtis to the despairing Neve Campbell, women in the helm of horror movies often beat with a strong personality. Ok. Ok. So that may not be entirely true as some tick off every cliché box, especially with their better than thou virginal ways. But there is no denying that these acclaimed actresses came with praise and many have continued their career with heaps of talent.
In recent years, the role of Scream Queen hasn’t been entirely fleshed out. With blonde empty vessels screaming in the wrong direction, it’s easy to lump all heroines in the same trope bin. Then along comes Maika Monroe, at the young age of 22, and everyone immediately sat up and paid attention.
The California based beauty is relatively new to Hollywood but has taken the industry by storm by starring in two of the biggest horror movies in recent years. Prior to these, which we’ll get on to, Monroe starred in small independent films or bit-roles. Her first films were At Any Price by upcoming 99 Homes director Ramin Bahrani’s and Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring. However, her first major role was that opposite Josh Brolin in the sub-par, but brilliantly acted, Labor Day. She played Brolin’s young wife who died when he returned from Vietnam after he pushed her into a radiator. Though the film was poorly received, there was promise in Monroe’s performance that saw her illuminate the screen and attract the attention of Adam Wingard.
The You’re Next director (a film that you should all see for wickedly entertaining fun) did incredibly spectacular things when he cast Monroe opposite the stunning Dan Stevens in thrilling film, The Guest. Last year’s biggest phenomenon wouldn’t be worth the ticket price if it weren’t for the pairs brilliant acting as well as their electric chemistry. Monroe starred as Anna Peterson whose family is grieving after the loss of their Army son Caleb, only to be infiltrated by David Collins – an apparent friend of Caleb’s. But there is something completely suspicious about him that Anna realises straight away. Despite a momentary linger over his abs (like most sane humans would do), Anna soon strives to protect her family – namely her younger brother, Luke. Monroe fulfilled this role with astonishing realism. Astutely, she portrays this college student with personality – her role isn’t defined by her victim status or by her femininity. Though wavering slightly on her trust in him, her suspicions end up being met and she would go on to be a part of one of the most visually stunning climatic scenes that, similarly to Anna’s final lines, will make you say “what the fuck?” in glee!
The You’re Next director (a film that you should all see for wickedly entertaining fun) did incredibly spectacular things when he cast Monroe opposite the stunning Dan Stevens in thrilling film, The Guest. Last year’s biggest phenomenon wouldn’t be worth the ticket price if it weren’t for the pairs brilliant acting as well as their electric chemistry. Monroe starred as Anna Peterson whose family is grieving after the loss of their Army son Caleb, only to be infiltrated by David Collins – an apparent friend of Caleb’s. But there is something completely suspicious about him that Anna realises straight away. Despite a momentary linger over his abs (like most sane humans would do), Anna soon strives to protect her family – namely her younger brother, Luke. Monroe fulfilled this role with astonishing realism. Astutely, she portrays this college student with personality – her role isn’t defined by her victim status or by her femininity. Though wavering slightly on her trust in him, her suspicions end up being met and she would go on to be a part of one of the most visually stunning climatic scenes that, similarly to Anna’s final lines, will make you say “what the fuck?” in glee!
Of course, her defining role that made people pay attention to her was this year’s triumphant horror, It Follows. Perhaps one of the most disturbing horror movies of all time, David Robert Mitchell’s supernatural flick brimmed with fear and pulled Monroe into the cinematic spotlight. As Jay, a girl cursed with a paranormal entity that stalks her after sleeping with the guy she had been dating, Monroe effectively enhanced the story with Jay’s plight. Without oversimplifying the role by merely screaming at everything, Monroe is astute and underlies the panic. Allowing her paranoia to simmer then boil, Jay is invested in trying to stop the supernatural entity from nearly killing her but refuses to sleep with someone merely to pass it on at first. Enthralling, Jay is a powerful character that has the will to survive but is still able to show weakness, dread, and leans on her friends when they offer to help. This nuanced performance gave Monroe high critical praise alongside the director Mitchell’s homage to classic horrors, whilst splicing it with an ingenuity.
Monroe has some big movies coming out including The 5th Wave based on a young adult novel, and playing the daughter of Bill Pullman in the incredibly exciting upcoming Independence Day: Resurgence. Monroe seems to be playing to her likes and strengths, keeping her integrity with her choices, whilst still providing an eclectic portfolio. We’ll be excited to see where the industry leads her next and we’re sure that it’ll be embellished by her great performances and talent.
One thing is for sure, Maika Monroe is one star we’ll definitely be following…
Monroe has some big movies coming out including The 5th Wave based on a young adult novel, and playing the daughter of Bill Pullman in the incredibly exciting upcoming Independence Day: Resurgence. Monroe seems to be playing to her likes and strengths, keeping her integrity with her choices, whilst still providing an eclectic portfolio. We’ll be excited to see where the industry leads her next and we’re sure that it’ll be embellished by her great performances and talent.
One thing is for sure, Maika Monroe is one star we’ll definitely be following…
It Follows is out on DVD and Blu-ray now!
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