Victorian Psycho Review: Maika Monroe Scares Up a Different Final Girl
Zachary Wigon’s dark adaptation turns the classic horror trope on its head.
1A Subversive Horror Tale
Directed by Zachary Wigon, Victorian Psycho adapts Virginia Feito’s novel into a darkly comedic horror film. The story centers on Winifred Notty, a Victorian-era governess who claims to be perfectly sane despite a trail of dead bodies. Maika Monroe stars as the anti-heroine, shifting from typical scream queen roles to a murderous protagonist.
2The Governess’s Dark Mission
Winifred arrives at a sprawling Yorkshire estate to teach the children of Mr. and Mrs. Pounds, played by Jason Isaacs and Ruth Wilson. She struggles to mimic human behavior, often using a rictus grin to mask her inner darkness. Her obsession with the aristocratic family drives her to commit increasingly violent acts.
3Stylized Visual Storytelling
Cinematographer Nico Aguilar employs creative techniques, including shooting through keyholes and using a pendulum-like camera movement. The film features playful, grotesque imagery, such as a camera perspective from inside Winifred’s stomach. These visual choices enhance the film’s demented tone, making the gruesome violence feel both elegant and disturbingly funny for audiences.
4The Psycho’s Bloody Path
Winifred’s violence is indiscriminate, targeting gardeners, nurses, and even infants throughout the narrative. Editors Dustin Chow and Lance Edmands cut these scenes for maximum impact, ensuring blood flows freely across the screen. Despite the carnage, Winifred remains grimly happy, moving forward with her mission while staring at sleeping victims during the night.
5Adaptation and Narrative Changes
Clocking in at 90 minutes, the film makes significant departures from Feito’s original novel. The Christmas massacre subplot is entirely removed, and several colorful supporting characters are omitted. These changes aim to streamline the story, though they occasionally dilute the darkest impulses found in the source material, leading to a different final act.
6The Climax and Character Duality
The film’s conclusion shifts toward a battle of wills, which feels somewhat watered down compared to the book. Wigon’s direction implies that Winifred is not fully committed to her evil actions, creating a strange duality in her character. This choice complicates the narrative, leaving some fans of the original novel feeling slightly disappointed.
7Production and Festival History
The film originally premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered attention for its unique take on the horror genre. Bleecker Street is set to release the movie in theaters on November 13, 2026. It serves as a notable entry in the current landscape of dark, character-driven psychological horror films.
8Final Verdict on Tone
Victorian Psycho succeeds as a dark treat, largely due to Monroe’s committed performance and the film’s willingness to embrace its own insanity. While the final act lacks the giddy gore of the preceding scenes, the film remains a bold experiment. It effectively challenges horror conventions by forcing viewers to root for the psycho.
Original article: IndieWire — Victorian Psycho Review: Maika Monroe Scares Up a Different Final Girl