‘Victorian Psycho’ Clip Showcases Maika Monroe’s Eerie Governess Role
Maika Monroe has established herself as a prominent figure in modern horror over the past decade. She gained recognition with her breakout role in ‘It Follows’ and later portrayed an FBI agent in ‘Longlegs’. Now, she takes on a more sinister character in ‘Victorian Psycho’.
Set in 1858, this period film introduces an eccentric young governess named Winifred Notty, who arrives at the isolated gothic manor known as Ensor House. As she begins her new role, staff members mysteriously vanish, prompting the owners to question the true nature of their new employee.
Excitement for the film has surged following the release of an exclusive clip on October 1. The 34-second video highlights Monroe’s character as a quirky governess caring for children in the remote manor while concealing her psychopathic tendencies. The clip opens with a chilling close-up of a child dressed in a ruffled collar, bathed in dark blue hues, and reminds viewers that the film is set to hit theaters on November 13.
This marks the first official glimpse of the movie, showcasing an early moment where the family begins to question Winifred’s peculiar behavior, with Monroe delivering a wonderfully strange performance. Reports indicate that her character perceives the world quite differently from others.
Exclusive clip from ‘VICTORIAN PSYCHO’, starring Maika Monroe.
The film follows an eccentric governess who takes care of children in a remote gothic manor whilst hiding her psychopathic tendencies.
In theaters on November 13. pic.twitter.com/ilddzdWg2c
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 1, 2026
The tone aligns with Winifred’s job description, which includes teaching table manners and educating the children about their family history. However, the film’s marketing emphasizes her hidden psychopathic traits throughout.
The journey to the film’s release has been tumultuous. Initially, Margaret Qualley was set to star but had to exit due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Monroe’s casting. A24 dropped the project, and Bleecker Street later acquired the US distribution rights.
Monroe has expressed that the role was daunting, preparing with weekly video rehearsals alongside director Zachary Wigon to perfect her performance. Wigon, known for ‘The Heart Machine’ and ‘Sanctuary’, directs this third feature, with a script adapted from her own 2025 horror novel by Virginia Feito.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, receiving positive early reviews. Dread Central’s Josh Korngut praised Monroe’s performance as her best yet, while also highlighting Ruth Wilson as a strong counterpart in her role as Mrs. Pounds.
The marketing campaign has embraced the film’s dark comedic elements. Following the release of the official trailer on July 30, one review noted that Monroe’s portrayal echoes Patrick Bateman, as the narrative becomes increasingly violent with Winifred’s unraveling sanity, drawing comparisons to Norman Bates and Annie Wilkes.
Originally scheduled for September 25, the film’s release has been pushed to Friday, November 13, a fitting time for a story centered around meals and family gatherings. It carries an R rating for strong bloody violence and brief sexual content.
The supporting cast includes notable names such as Jason Isaacs as Mr. Pounds, Thomasin McKenzie as Ms. Lamb, and Jacobi Jupe as Andrew, one of Winifred’s charges. Producers Dan Kagan and Sebastien Raybaud, known for ‘Longlegs’, are also involved.
For Monroe, the timing is particularly busy as she is currently filming ‘They Follow’, the highly anticipated sequel to ‘It Follows’. If this clip is any indication, ‘Victorian Psycho’ is poised to add another standout performance to her horror portfolio before that sequel arrives.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.