Maika Monroe, born on May 29, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California, first made her mark not on the big screen, but out on the open water. Before diving into acting, Maika Monroe was a competitive kiteboarder—a lesser-known fact that adds depth to her dynamic persona. In fact, Maika Monroe placed second in the high-energy International Red Bull Big Air competition held in the Dominican Republic back in 2013, showcasing her fearlessness and athleticism long before she became a household name.
Even while still active in the professional watersports scene, Maika Monroe began shifting her focus toward acting—a transition that would soon define her career. Her debut came in 2012 when she portrayed Cadence Farrow in Ramin Bahrani’s “At Any Price,” a film selected for the prestigious 69th International Venice Film Festival. It was a strong start, and Maika Monroe quickly proved she could hold her own among seasoned performers.
She followed this with a small yet memorable role in Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring” (2013), a dramatization of a real group of teenagers who burglarized celebrity homes in Hollywood. Starring alongside Emma Watson, Maika Monroe added nuance to the ensemble cast, further solidifying her presence in indie cinema. Momentum built rapidly: by 2014, Maika Monroe had landed roles in two significant films—first as a key character opposite Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet in Jason Reitman’s emotionally charged “Labor Day,” and then in Adam Wingard’s stylish psychological thriller “The Guest,” where her performance earned critical praise.
Fast forward to 2024, and Maika Monroe continued to choose bold, genre-defying projects, starring alongside Nicolas Cage in the chilling horror thriller “Longlegs,” written and directed by Osgood Perkins. With each role, Maika Monroe has demonstrated a compelling range and a quiet intensity that keeps audiences captivated. From windswept beaches to dark cinematic tales, Maika Monroe’s journey reflects both evolution and staying power in an ever-changing industry.
When it comes to Maika Monroe’s film career, there are clear highs and lows in terms of critical reception. Maika Monroe has delivered a range of performances over the years, but one standout in her filmography is The Scent of Rain & Lightning (2017), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike responded positively to Maika Monroe’s role in this drama, praising her nuanced performance. On the other end of the spectrum, Maika Monroe appeared in The 5th Wave (2016), a sci-fi thriller that unfortunately didn’t resonate as well, earning it the spot as her lowest rated film to date. While Maika Monroe brought depth to both projects, it’s clear that certain roles have connected more strongly with viewers. Still, Maika Monroe continues to evolve as an actress, building on each experience.