Victorian Psycho: Maika Monroe, Famous For Her Terrifying Roles In It Follows And Longlegs, Stepped In To Take Over The Lead Role

Victorian Psycho Synopsis:

In 1858 rural England, Winifred Notty (Maika Monroe), a meticulously poised young woman who arrives at the isolated Ensor House as governess to the wealthy Pounds family. Beneath her submissive facade lies a ruthless psychopath who begins systematically eliminating members of the household, weaponizing the hypocrisies and rigid social rules of Victorian high society to execute a bloody, dark-comedy spree while staying one step ahead of suspicion.

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Release Date: In theaters November 13th, 2026

Victorian Psycho Fun Facts: Maika Monroe, Famous For Her Terrifying Roles In It Follows And Longlegs, Stepped In To Take Over The Lead Role

The Author Wrote Her Own Screenplay:
Author Virginia Feito personally wrote the movie's screenplay, adapting her acclaimed Gothic horror novel Victorian Psycho. Set in 1858 England, her story follows a sinister governess hiding deadly secrets, and Feito chose to adapt the book herself to ensure the movie kept the novel’s wicked humors and dark atmosphere.

A Scream Queen Cast Change:
When the film adaptation was first announced in 2024, Margaret Qualley was set to play the lead role of the bloodthirsty governess, Winifred Notty, in Victorian Psycho. However, after Qualley stepped away from the project, modern horror favorite Maika Monroe, famous for her terrifying roles in It Follows and Longlegs, officially stepped in to take over the lead role.

Reunited with Longlegs Royalty:
Victorian Psycho brings lead star Maika Monroe back together with film producer Dan Kagan; the two previously collaborated on the 2024 box-office sensation, Longlegs, one of the most talked-about horror movies in recent years. Reuniting so soon after that smash hit signals high expectations for their latest dark thriller as horror fans are eagerly watching to see if the duo can recreate that same terrifying magic.

A Fittingly Eerie Release Date:
Independent film distributor Bleecker Street initially aimed for a late September 2026 premiere in American theaters. They later adjusted their strategy and delayed the release to Friday, November 13th, 2026. Securing a marquee Friday the 13th release date gives the dark horror-thriller an ideal promotional boost, perfectly matching the film's sinister vibe.

Prestigious Cannes Premiere:
Before making its wide debut in commercial theaters, Victorian Psycho enjoyed a high-profile world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in May. It was featured as an official entry in the festival's prestigious Un Certain Regard showcase, which highlights bold storytelling, innovative directors, and standout artistic cinema on an international stage.

Real-World Gothic Settings:
To bring the chilly, moody countryside of 1850s England to life on screen, the entire production was shot on location across centuries-old estates in Ireland in the fall of 2025. Using Ireland's naturally damp weather, overcast skies, and lush, gloomy landscapes to capture the eerie vibe of Victorian England for maximum onscreen dread in Victorian Psycho.

Source: youtube, wikipedia