A peculiar new governess arrives to care for a couple’s young children. But unbeknownst to the family, she hides dark secrets behind her eccentric personality. Starring Maika Monroe, Victorian Psycho is a delightfully psychotic tale that feels Lizzie Borden-adjacent and can almost be described as a gender-swapped loose play on American Psycho set in the 19th century.
The film is based on a 2025 novel of the same name by Virginia Feito. The writer also penned the film’s script, which is a self-aware story with a wicked sense of humor. As we follow Winifred’s mischief, the film masterfully balances macabre twists with razor-sharp comedic wit, creating a tone that is both unsettling and irresistibly entertaining.
For her part, Maika Monroe leans into the character, giving us a deliciously unhinged performance. She’s obviously a well-established scream queen at this point, but it was extremely fun to watch her adopt this truly insane persona and not hold back. Bringing every eccentricity to life.
During an advance screening with director Zachary Wigon, he explained what inspired Winifred’s physicality and the intentionality behind it. Looking at real-life serial killers to guide the maniacal nature of the character.
Joining Monroe, Thomasin McKenzie shines as a nurse and unlikely confidante to Winifred, while Ruth Wilson and Jason Isaacs deliver vibrant performances as her wealthy employers. Each actor embraces the film’s sardonic tone, contributing to a truly sharp ensemble dynamic.
And then we have a wonderful performance by Jacobi Jupe. A tremendously talented actor who previously broke our hearts in last year’s Hamnet. In this, he often faces Monroe’s maniacal character, and it was a delight to see him in a film that feels more playful.
But still, with all the comedy, I was surprised by the brutality the film doesn’t shy away from. As Winifred puts it, “she’s the sanest person she’s ever met,” but some truly insane things happen. And again, it was so fun to have Monroe be the conduit for all the mania that transpires, because she absolutely kills it — pun intended.
It also has a sprinkling of great, unexpected jump-scare moments that are quite clever. And they play well against the film’s gothic atmosphere. Overall, it has a great style. Between the sets and costuming, it gives the film a beautifully haunting appearance. Even when it is playing things more comedically.
Victorian Psycho completely defied my expectations, oozing with a twisted charm. While horror fans may have already been convinced to head to theaters because of Monroe, this film stands out as one of the year’s most delightfully fun horror experiences.
Victorian Psycho hit theaters this Friday, November 13th
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