Joey Magidson
Maika Monroe and horror just go together. Her big breakout role was in It Follows, while she hit a new level with Longlegs. Now, she returns to the genre with Victorian Psycho, a mix of gothic horror and thriller that really puts her center stage. This time, she’s not on the run from a malevolent force or trying to stop a killer, but the malevolence at the center of the film. Watching Monroe do the killing is a real novelty with this movie, and in fact, it’s her work that makes it something well worth watching.
Victorian Psycho doesn’t fully make good on its premise, but when it’s firing on all cylinders, usually when Monroe is cooking, it’s a fun genre lark. The flick could stand to be a bit more fun, though it never becomes morbid or self-serious. It’s more of a down the middle approach, one that does keep things from getting as wild as you’d like, but still lets you enjoy the ride.
Taking place in 1858, we meet Winifred Notty (Monroe) as she’s arriving at Ensor House for her new job as governess for the children of Mr. Pounds (Jason Isaacs) and Mrs. Pounds (Ruth Wilson). Her responsibilities will include instilling table manners in the children and teaching them about their family history. That’s all well and good, except for the fact that Winifred is deeply unwell and having trouble hiding her psychopathic leanings.
When staff members begin disappearing at Ensor House, the Pounds family initially shrugs it off. However, with a body count rising, the estate owners begin to wonder if there may be something wrong with their new governess, as well as Ms Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie). By then, Winifred is already well into her bloody plan, which slowly begins to come into focus.
Maika Monroe gets to really let loose here, especially as things progress. Initially, you get a kick out of watching her try to keep the psycho aspect of her personality in check. However, as that becomes less and less possible, Monroe gets to go all in on some big choices. It’s an incredibly enjoyable turn from her. I wish Jason Isaacs, Thomasin McKenzie, and Ruth Wilson had more to do, though Isaacs gets a good scene or two opposite Monroe. Supporting players here include Amy De Bhrún, Jacobi Jupe, Evie Templeton, and more.
Director Zachary Wigon and writer Virginia Feito arguably could have had more fun with the premise, though they’re correct to focus in on Monroe’s title character. Feito’s screenplay has some cheeky elements to it, though only in the third act do they really get fair play on the screen. Wigon adds some flash to it all, though centered consistently on Monroe’s governess. Even when Victorian Psycho threatens to become a bit static and more of a straight period piece, it isn’t long before something strange happens to jar it all back into bloody place. At 102 minutes, the pacing could be tighter, but the climax works so well, even if you’re not quite sold on what’s come before in the film, the conclusion brings you home with aplomb.
Victorian Psycho is good when it could have been great, admittedly, but if you like Maika Monroe, this is a quality showcase. There’s an even wilder movie that could have been crafted from these bones, that much is clear, but what we got isn’t half bad. The flick lives and dies on Monroe, often as others around her die, and she’s more than up to the task. When you see Monroe in horror, that’s the mark of quality in my book.
SCORE: ★★★
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