Maika Monroe has spent years perfecting the art of looking terrified. From the relentless curse of It Follows to the unsettling surveillance in Watcher and the eerie dread of Longlegs, she's become horror's favorite final girl. But in her latest project, she's flipping the script—this time, she's the one causing the fear.
In Victorian Psycho, Monroe steps into the corset of Winifred Notty, a governess hired by the wealthy Pounds family in 1858. On paper, she's the perfect candidate: poised, educated, and ready to care for their children. But beneath the Victorian propriety lurks a violent impulse she's not particularly interested in suppressing. As Winifred herself puts it in the new featurette, "Most fear their darkness. But I feel tenderly towards mine." That line alone should send a chill down any employer's spine.
Collider has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the film, which also stars Thomasin McKenzie and Jason Isaacs. Directed by Zachary Wigon, the movie adapts Virginia Feito's novel of the same name. The story follows Winifred as she arrives at the remote Ensor House, hoping for a fresh start—provided she can keep her more murderous tendencies in check. Judging by the footage, that's going to be a challenge.
A Gothic Nightmare With a Modern Twist
The featurette doesn't shy away from the film's influences, name-dropping both The Shining and American Psycho as touchstones. That's a potent combination: the slow-burn psychological unraveling of Jack Torrance meets the cold, calculated violence of Patrick Bateman. For Winifred, maintaining appearances is a full-time job, but her true nature keeps bubbling to the surface. One particularly unsettling moment shows a child telling her, "Miss Notty, you're scaring me." For a governess whose livelihood depends on seeming harmless, that's a major red flag.
The film promises a blend of grotesque horror and dark humor, a tone that director Wigon seems to relish. "It's a very violent, bizarre, grotesque tale," the featurette teases, but it also hints at a playful edge. Monroe's performance walks that line, shifting from demure to deranged in the blink of an eye. It's a role that lets her showcase a side fans haven't seen before—not as the victim, but as the predator.
For horror enthusiasts, Victorian Psycho is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the season. If you're looking for more chills, check out our list of October's scariest new horror movies to get in the mood. And if psychological thrillers are your jam, we've got eight miniseries that nail the landing every time.
Monroe's ability to convey both vulnerability and menace is on full display, and the featurette suggests audiences will be "wildly entertained"—whether they're laughing or screaming remains to be seen. With its blend of period setting and modern horror sensibilities, Victorian Psycho is poised to be a standout in Monroe's already impressive filmography.
Mark your calendars: Victorian Psycho hits theaters on November 13. Until then, you can catch Monroe in her previous horror hits, or dive into the source material to get a head start on the terror. For more on the film, stay tuned to Collider for updates and exclusive content.
