Maika Monroe's Victorian Psycho would put Patrick Bateman to sleep

Maika Monroe is no stranger to the role of a scream queen, often portraying characters who are either hunting or being hunted by killers. In Victorian Psycho, she takes on a different kind of role, delving into the genre from a new perspective. Her performance as the governess, Winifred Notty, allows her to showcase her ability to play a madwoman, using her expressive eyes, soft deliveries, and exaggerated expressions.

However, the film's director, Zachary Wigon, and screenwriter, Virginia Feito, who adapted the story from Monroe's own novel, fail to provide the necessary support for Monroe's performance to truly shine. The Victorian setting, intended to create a dissonant and tense atmosphere, does not deliver the impact needed to shock or titillate the audience.

Monroe's constant narration and inner monologue, intended to differentiate her character from Patrick Bateman, often become tiresome and detract from the overall suspense. Despite Monroe's commitment to the role, the film's pacing and editing choices hinder the development of tension and the gruesome aspects of the story. The performances of the supporting cast, including Jason Isaacs, Ruth Wilson, and Thomasin McKenzie, are commendable but cannot overcome the lack of rhythm and intensity in the film.

The production, drenched in a golden beige color scheme, fails to generate any real fear or excitement, instead only encouraging viewers to drift off to sleep. While there are hints of intriguing ideas about the nature of madness and societal pressures, they are not explored in depth and are ultimately insufficient to elevate the film's potential.

Victorian Psycho falls short of its intended impact, leaving the audience with a sense of disappointment and longing for a more engaging and terrifying experience.