Maika Monroe steps into the grisly world of Victorian England as a 19th-century serial killer in Victorian Psycho, premiering May 21 at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The film, adapted by Virginia Feito from her own novel, stars Monroe as Winifred Notty, an enigmatic young woman who infiltrates a wealthy family's home under the guise of a governess.
Transformative Role for Monroe
Monroe, known for her roles in horror hits like It Follows and Longlegs, describes the role as her hardest yet. "It terrified me," she admits. "There’s always a little part of me in roles that I do... but this role was really a departure." The film's director, Zachary Wigon, praises Monroe's ability to convey the complex inner workings of a serial killer's mind.
Inside the Pounds Household
The film explores Winifred's unsettling presence in the Pounds family's manor, where she interacts with the matriarch and patriarch, played by Ruth Wilson and Jason Isaacs. "It’s fascinating to see an outsider who desperately wants to be an insider," says Wigon. Thomasin McKenzie also stars as Ms. Lamb, a fellow employee who forms a rare friendship with Winifred.
Production Challenges and Changes
Originally set up with A24 and Margaret Qualley, the project evolved into a Bleecker Street production with Monroe. "It changed distributors," Wigon explains, noting the volatile nature of independent filmmaking. Monroe's commitment to the role included extensive rehearsals and learning an English accent, with scenes shot in challenging conditions.
Crafting the Film's Unique Tone
Wigon describes the film's tone as "demented," a blend of horror and dark comedy. He meticulously pre-visualized the shots to ensure a distinct visual style. Monroe reflects on Wigon's precise direction, saying, "Zach had such specific visuals and certain shots... seeing it all put together really blew me away."
With Maika Monroe in a captivating lead role, Victorian Psycho promises a chilling and unique cinematic experience at Cannes 2026.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/maika-monroe-victorian-psycho-film-cannes-exclusive-1236594511/
