Maika Monroe has cemented her name as the 21st-century scream queen following her roles in horror films like It Follows and Watcher, and recently Longlegs. She has defied a decade of horror. But, in this race to be called the scream queen, another Longlegs actress is also not so far. In fact, some fans already gave her the tag.
Maika Monroe: A Modern Scream Queen Redefining Horror
Maika Monroe in Longlegs. Image Credit: Neon
For the past ten years, Maika Monroe has cemented her status as a leading figure in the horror genre. She is not just a reliable presence but a true modern scream queen, elevating predictable plots, standing up to all kinds of monsters, and leading modern classics to greater acclaim.
Since her breakout roles in 2014’s It Follows and The Guest, both indie hits that have become contemporary classic horror films and pioneers of the elevated horror genre, Monroe has firmly established herself as a scream queen. Before her acting career took off, she was among the few young women pursuing the extreme sport of kiteboarding. Over the last decade, Monroe has captivated audiences in horror, remaining an indie favorite with a knack for selecting complex roles that challenge the concept of the final girl.
Once dreaming of a professional kite-surfing career, Monroe excels in portraying the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. She often plays seemingly meek characters who eventually discover their empowerment. While every horror fan has their favorite Maika Monroe performance, she is recognized for her versatility across roles and subgenres.
SUGGESTED: ‘I have to play this role’: ‘Longlegs’ Star Maika Monroe Shared How She Regained Spark For Acting
Recently, Monroe tackled the police procedural genre in Longlegs, a psychological thriller with a satanic core. Her performance in Longlegs is already being praised as her best to date, showcasing her ability to draw from a long list of relatable heroines that have cemented her as one of the genre’s most beloved and versatile scream queens.
More than just a stereotypical blond final girl, Monroe is a nuanced and cerebral actress. Her elegant features evoke both Old Hollywood glamor and the relatability of the girl next door. This unique combination often results in performances that blend courage and vulnerability, creating emotionally complex characters that resonate deeply with audiences.
But, Fans Think Alicia Witt Is The Real Screaming Queen
Alicia Witt. Image Credit: Gene Page/AMC
Alicia Witt has enjoyed a career like no one else! Witt has a four-decade history of performing in films and television shows, including her major role as Ruth Harker in Osgood “Oz” Perkins’ Longlegs and her revenge against House Atreides in David Lynch’s Dune, which she began at the age of eight. Witt also maintains a successful music career.
And, fans think that she has actually mastered the horror genre and can be crowned as the real screaming queen. In her latest appearance in Longlegs, she nailed it. She was also featured in Urban Legend (1998).
Of course Alicia Witt’s extraordinary in LONGLEGS; she’s been great since age eight, as Alia in David Lynch’s DUNE — he then cast her in TWIN PEAKS (then again in THE RETURN). pic.twitter.com/OopCFsexRt
— Isaac Feldberg (@isaacfeldberg) July 13, 2024
Alicia Witt has been acting since she was a child and over an extensive career, she’s seamlessly jumped between comedy, drama, thriller, and Hallmark holiday films
But #LonglegsMovie proves Hollywood has barely scratched the surface of what she’s truly capable of! pic.twitter.com/swJ1gH0Eqi
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) July 15, 2024
alicia witt is a certified scream queen pic.twitter.com/dn8Y87L9Rz
— selma ☾✯ (@slmrsmx) July 14, 2024
It’s a subjective opinion as to who thinks of whom as the screaming queen, but what these two bring to the bigger screen surely keeps the viewers at the edge of their seats.
Longlegs is showing in theaters.
