Maika Monroe

The Guest

Interview by James Patrick Herman  Photographs by Jeff Vespa

Where are you from? 

“I am from Santa Barbara. I wanted to be a professional kiteboarder before acting took over my life. It is similar because you have to be fearless — if you are afraid, then you can’t do either one.”

 

As a blonde American actress, you could not ask for a better last name than Monroe. Are you a fan of Marilyn? 

“Are you kidding me?”

What was your big break? 

“At Any Price, my film with Zac Effron, because it went to Venice, Toronto, Telluride and South by Southwest.”

Having already rocked the red carpet in Marchesa at the Venice Film Festival, will indie, snowy Sundance feel like a letdown? Uggs are a far cry from Balmain shoes! 

“I’m excited that it is more casual — I won’t have to pack a ball gown.”

What have you heard are the highs and lows of Sundance? 

“Worst thing’s easy: Freezing your ass off. And then best thing? Every single person told me there is just something magical about this festival. I don’t know what that is, but I will get back to you.”

What’s the buzz about The Guest? 

“My costar is Dan Stevens from Downtown Abbey playing a role that seems like his polar opposite — he’s psychotic.”

Describe your character? 

“I’m this punk girl with platinum hair who falls for the bad guy. She is a strong, smart girl, but she’s not confident. Her weakness is a lack of self-worth.”

Before you became a Sundance sensation, did you ever have a normal job? 

“I did internships at veterinarian hospitals, so I witnessed surgeries and I even saw a cat get put down, which was one of the worst things ever. I realized that I could not live with the regret that vets must have — how do they sleep at night?”

Are you a Robert Redford fan? 

“What is that movie? Something and the Sundance Kid? Oh, my gosh, it is my dad’s favorite. Redford is so dreamy in that movie. He’s got that manly quality.”