Maika Monroe has become a must-watch for fans of thrillers and horror flicks. From the 2014 cult hit "It Follows" to the 2022 psychological thriller "Watcher," she’s made a name for herself fending off creepers and creatures.
This article is part of Trick or Stream, a seasonal series where Tom's Guide writers share their favorite horror movies and thrillers.
As one of my favorite scary movie actresses, I was thrilled to learn she has more projects on the way, including "Victorian Psycho" and a remake of "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" (her “villain era,” as she recently put it). She’s even hinted at an "It Follows" sequel.
So I was surprised to stumble upon a Monroe movie I hadn’t heard of: "Significant Other." In it, she stars alongside Jake Lacy as a couple venturing into the woods for a camping trip that takes a very unexpected turn. Full of surprises and genre-blending twists, the Paramount Plus movie quickly became my next must-watch recommendation.
What is 'Significant Other' about?
The film opens with a strange red star falling from the sky into a clearing in the Pacific Northwest. A curious deer investigates, only to become lunch moments later. It seems like a throwaway scene at first, but it becomes key to the story later.
We then meet Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacy) driving along a remote highway. Harry’s singing along to ’70s tunes while Ruth rolls her eyes—an early glimpse of their dynamic. At a diner stop, a local child warns them about the red star, setting the eerie tone.
In the woods, Harry reassures anxious Ruth that he’s done this hike before and that it’ll get easier once she finishes. His carefree humor contrasts sharply with her tension. When Ruth senses someone following them, she brushes it off — until things start to unravel.
At a scenic lookout, Harry proposes. Ruth doesn’t exactly say no, but her panic attack and near fall off the cliff say plenty. From there, the film takes a sharp turn: Ruth stumbles upon something horrifying and unexplainable, and what began as a moody drama shifts into full-blown sci-fi horror. The proposal turns out to be the least of their problems.
Why you should stream 'Significant Other' on Paramount Plus
Without giving too much away, the film’s second-half tone shift won’t be for everyone. If you’re expecting a slow-burn thriller, this isn’t it. Instead, it mixes alien horror, over-the-top (and occasionally comedic) gore, and a touch of romance. The genre mash-up is so abrupt it almost feels like two different movies, but in a good way. And if you’re bracing for a "Blair Witch Project"-style found-footage ordeal, rest easy: This one’s far more inventive.
Monroe and Lacy play beautifully off each other, her quiet intensity clashing perfectly with his buoyant, early-Ben-Affleck energy. Whether the comedic undertones were intentional or not, they work, adding awkward laughs amid the tension. The result is a weirdly fun, edge-of-your-seat ride that’ll satisfy horror fans looking for something a little different.
Watch "Significant Other" on Paramount Plus
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