Refrain from addressing her as Mary Poppins. Maika Monroe has been tapped to embody a chilling governess in "Victorian Psycho," a gripping psychological horror thriller helmed by Zachary Wigon under the banner of Anton, who will oversee production and financing. Monroe joins an ensemble that includes Thomasin McKenzie, renowned for her roles in "Last Night in Soho" and "Jojo Rabbit," following Margaret Qualley's footsteps in portraying the enigmatic governess.
The film is an adaptation of Virginia Feito's best-selling novel, with Feito also penning the screenplay. Set against the backdrop of 1858, the narrative revolves around Winifred Notty, a governess concealing her psychopathic nature as she steps into the shadows of a remote, gothic manor. As she takes charge of her young wards, staff members inexplicably vanish, leaving the estate's owners to ponder, belatedly, if their new governess isn't merely sweetening their tea with a dash of arsenic.
Dan Kagan is producing the film, marking the trio's third collaboration after the Neon breakthrough "Longlegs" and IFC's "Azrael." Sébastien Raybaud of Anton and Wigon, alongside Anonymous Content, are producing in association. Nick Shumaker, Bard Dorros, and Virginia Feito will serve as executive producers.
"Maika's intense screen persona has repeatedly left an indelible mark on me through her intricate performances," Wigon exclaimed in a statement. "I'm absolutely ecstatic to witness her unique psychological portrayal come to life in the intriguingly bizarre character of Winifred Notty."
Anton is fully funding the project and handling international rights, while U.S. rights are co-represented by Anton, UTA Independent Film Group, and CAA Media Finance. Production is slated to commence in August of this year.
Monroe has solidified her status as one of horror cinema's queens over the past two decades, crafting a resume filled with acclaimed and eerie films. She recently starred opposite Nicolas Cage in last year's smash hit "Longlegs," one of the decade's most successful horror releases. In the fall, she secured the lead role as the twisted nanny in 20th Century Studios' remake of "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle." Before diving into "Victorian Psycho," Monroe will film "Reminders of Him," Universal's adaptation of Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, a poignant tale of motherhood and redemption that serves as a refreshing detour from her usual genre fare.
