# Director and Star Discuss Victorian Psycho Adaptation Zachary Wigon and Maika Monroe explore the dark origins of their latest horror film. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/399d83a8-8393-4da0-b991-a41ab0cab58a ## Adapting Literary Horror Director Zachary Wigon and actress Maika Monroe are collaborating to bring Virginia Feito's novel Victorian Psycho to the big screen. This project marks a significant transition from page to screen for the horror heroine. The team aims to capture the specific macabre tone established in the original literary source material during production. ## Methodical Character Research To prepare for the demanding lead role, Maika Monroe engaged in extensive research regarding real-life serial killers. This deep dive into criminal psychology was essential for portraying the complex, dark nature of the protagonist. By analyzing actual historical cases, Monroe sought to ground the character's terrifying motivations in a realistic, unsettling human framework. ## Director's Visionary Approach Zachary Wigon focused on translating the internal monologue of Feito's writing into visual storytelling. The director emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent, eerie atmosphere throughout the film's narrative arc. His approach involves balancing the gothic elements of the Victorian setting with the psychological intensity required for a modern horror thriller experience. ## Psychological Depth in Horror The film distinguishes itself by prioritizing psychological depth over traditional jump scares. By examining the psyche of a killer, the creators intend to challenge audience perceptions of morality and villainy. This focus on character-driven horror reflects a growing trend in contemporary cinema where internal conflict serves as the primary engine of tension. ## Source Material Integrity Virginia Feito's original novel provides a dense, layered foundation for the screenplay adaptation. The production team remains committed to honoring the specific voice and dark humor present in the book. Maintaining this balance is crucial for satisfying existing fans while introducing the story to a broader audience through a cinematic lens. ## Collaborative Creative Process The partnership between Wigon and Monroe highlights a shared commitment to character authenticity. Frequent discussions regarding the protagonist's evolution allowed for a nuanced performance that avoids common genre tropes. This collaborative environment ensures that every scene contributes to the overall psychological portrait of the lead character within the film's unique setting. ## Genre Evolution Trends Horror cinema is currently shifting toward more cerebral and character-focused narratives. Victorian Psycho fits into this landscape by blending historical aesthetics with modern psychological thriller elements. This evolution allows filmmakers to explore darker themes while maintaining high production values, appealing to viewers who prefer intellectual engagement alongside traditional genre thrills. ## Anticipated Cinematic Impact As production continues, the film is positioned to be a notable entry in the psychological horror genre. By combining rigorous research with a clear directorial vision, the team hopes to create a lasting impression on viewers. The final product will ultimately test how effectively literary macabre can be translated into visual terror. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/victorian-psycho-director-and-star-on-their-delightfully-macabre-new-movie-2000837257 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._