Maika Monroe Talks ‘Watcher’

The ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ and ‘The Guest’ actress discusses her new movie, which also stars Burn Gorman.

Maika Monroe as ‘Julia’ in Chloe Okuno’s 'Watcher.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Midnight. An IFC Midnight release.

Opening in theaters on June 3rd is the new thriller ‘Watcher,’ which was directed by Chloe Okuno (‘V/H/S/94’).

The film stars Maika Monroe (‘Independence Day: Resurgence,’ ‘The Guest’) as Julia, an American who moves to Bucharest with her boyfriend, Francis (Karl Glusman). Unable to speak the language, isolated while Francis works, and in fear of a local serial killer, she begins to perceive that she is being constantly watched and followed by a sinister neighbor named Daniel Weber (Burn Gorman).

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actress Maika Monroe about her work on ‘Watcher.’

You can read our full interview below or watch our interview with Monroe and director Chloe Okuno by clicking on the video player above.

Moviefone: To begin with, how did you get involved with this project and what was your first reaction when you read the script?

Maika Monroe: I had actually seen Chloe's short film probably six months before ever being sent a ‘Watcher’ script. So, a producer friend of mine had sent it and just said, "You have to see this." I watched it, and I was absolutely blown away by it. It was just so well done in every aspect. So, I was a fan. Then a couple months later I was sent this script and really fell in love with the character. Then I met with Chloe, and with all her ideas for this film, I was just like, I have to do this.

MF: Can you talk about the feelings of isolation and paranoia that Julia goes through during the course of the movie?

MM: I think it's something that women deal with on a daily basis. I think that Chloe portrayed it in such a profound way through this genre film. I feel like a lot of people will probably be able to relate. The way that she builds tension and releases tension, I think it's a huge part of what this story's about. So, hats off to Chloe.

MF: As an actress, was it difficult to prepare to play a character that’s going through these types of emotions?

MM: Honestly, I think genre films are some of the hardest for an actor because every day at least one of the scenes you are shooting are incredibly intense. I mean, it is no walk in the park. I think Chloe really helped create an environment on set that as an actor, you just felt really safe to go there. But it is not easy.

Maika Monroe as ‘Julia’ and Karl Glusman as “Francis” in Chloe Okuno’s 'Watcher.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Midnight. An IFC Midnight release.

MF: Can you talk about Julia’s relationship with her boyfriend? He doesn’t believe her when she tells him what is happening, does she feel betrayed by that?

MM: I think when you meet Karl Glusman, the actor who plays my boyfriend, you see why she fell in love and you see this relationship. Then I think that there's such a massive heartbreak, and I've felt this in my own relationships, where the person that is closest to you doesn't believe you. I think that's one of the most heartbreaking things of all because you think that this person has your back no matter what. I think that in this movie, you see this deterioration of a relationship between Julia and Francis.

MF: What was it like working with actor Burn Gorman? Is he as scary on set as he is in the movie?

MM: No, he's truly the sweetest, most lovely human being. Then as soon as we're on set, he just completely transformed into this character. I was just blown away by the way that he walked, his accent, and everything. He had all these great ideas. Both Chloe and I were like, "Oh my God," because we had met him, we had dinner with him, and he was just so charming and lovely. Then as soon as he steps on set, he just becomes this horrifying villain. But it was very cool to work with him.

MF: Finally, can you talk about working with director Chloe Okuno and watching her execute her unique vision for this project?

MM: I was absolutely blown away with Chloe and her professionalism. She just had such a specific vision, which I think you see in this film. The cinematography is beautiful, and I love the way she uses the camera to make the audience feel something. So, Chloe was so prepared for this and I was just so excited for us to discover something new on every scene, it was such a pleasure to work with her.