First ‘Victorian Psycho’ Trailer Turns Maika Monroe Into a Terrifying Governess

The first teaser for Victorian Psycho has arrived, and it gives a chilling look at Maika Monroe in a very dark new role. The horror film is making its debut at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section on May 21, and early footage is already setting the tone for a disturbing story set in Victorian England.

According to the film’s synopsis, which comes from Deadline, the story follows Winifred Notty, played by Maika Monroe, a young governess who arrives at a remote gothic manor called Ensor House in 1858. At first, she seems calm and charming, but strange things soon begin to happen around her. People in the house start disappearing without explanation, and the situation becomes more dangerous as her behavior grows more unstable.

The synopsis describes how Winifred slowly loses control and sinks deeper into violence and madness. It also teases that her actions become more brutal as the mystery inside the manor unfolds. As tension builds, the story asks a simple but unsettling question about how far she will go and who will survive her.

Victorian Psycho is directed by Zachary Wigon and is based on the novel by Virginia Feito, who also wrote the screenplay. The film also stars Thomasin McKenzie, Jason Isaacs, Ruth Wilson, Evie Templeton, and others in key roles. Production companies include Traffic, Anton, and Anonymous Content, with Anton fully financing the project.

The film has gone through several changes during production. According to Deadline, Margaret Qualley was originally attached to the lead role but later left the project. Maika Monroe then stepped in to replace her. Bleecker Street eventually picked up U.S. distribution rights, while True Brit secured the U.K. and Ireland release.

Monroe’s role as Winifred Notty marks another shift into psychological horror for the actress, who has become known for tense and unsettling performances in the genre. In this film, she plays a character whose polite exterior hides something deeply dangerous, set against the eerie backdrop of a strict Victorian household.

Victorian Psycho is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on September 25, and will continue its festival run following its Cannes premiere.

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