Maika Monroe has taken on a daring new role that has reignited her passion for acting. The actress, renowned for her work in the horror genre, recently spoke to PEOPLE about her performance in the upcoming film *Victorian Psycho*, where she portrays a psychopathic governess named Winifred Notty. This role marks a notable shift for Monroe, who admits that this marks the first time she gets to truly embrace her dark side.
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Monroe, 33, has built a reputation as a ‘scream queen,’ particularly following her breakout role in the 2014 indie horror film *It Follows*. Since then, she has carved a niche for herself in the horror genre, yet she finds herself on new ground with her latest character. In *Victorian Psycho*, written and directed by Zachary Wigon and based on Virginia Feito’s novel, Monroe’s character goes to work for the wealthy Pounds family, bringing with her a whirlwind of chaos and horror.
The film, set in a bizarre blend of satire and Gothic horror, is described by Monroe as “bloody” and “wildly entertaining.” The actress has noted that her experience in *Victorian Psycho* stands in stark contrast to the restrained tension of *It Follows*, which she references as a life-changing project. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Monroe’s transition into this intense role challenged her to step outside her comfort zone.
In discussing her character Winifred Notty, Monroe reflected on how playing someone so radically different from herself was both daunting and liberating. “I was definitely nervous,” she admitted, but added that the collaborative discussions with Wigon during rehearsals proved to be enriching. She described Winifred as having no limits, which allowed her to explore new depths in her acting. “This project pushed me out of my comfort zone where I really couldn’t fall back on anything,” she explained.
Monroe characterised this freedom as both fulfilling and therapeutic. The experience of portraying an unreliable narrator allowed her to unleash a new facet of her acting prowess. “There was something very liberating about just going for it,” she noted, elaborating that this creative process helped rekindle her love for her craft. Despite the inherent challenges of the industry, Monroe found joy in fully committing to such a unique and intense character.
Although the acting industry can be fraught with uncertainties and public scrutiny, Monroe’s willingness to embrace this risk has clearly invigorated her. She expressed her desire to embark on similar ventures and enjoy the thrill of portraying darker roles in the future. “I would love to do it again,” she remarked, underscoring her enjoyment in playing characters who embrace their sinister sides.
Indeed, her enthusiasm for playing villains mirrors her admiration for iconic performances in horror history. To prepare for her role, Monroe took cues from classic portrayals, drawing inspiration from figures like Jack Nicholson in *The Shining* and Patrick Bateman from *American Psycho*. The actress also delved into the minds of real-life psychopaths, including Charles Manson, in order to better understand her character’s mindset.
Looking ahead, Monroe is set to reprise her role as Jay in the much-anticipated sequel to *It Follows*, titled *They Follow*. This marks the first time she has revisited a character, an experience she describes as exciting. “That movie changed my life,” she reflected, praising director David Robert Mitchell and the lasting impact the original film has had on her career.
As *Victorian Psycho* makes its way to theatres on November 13, Monroe’s versatility and commitment to her craft ensures her continued presence in the horror genre. With her latest performance, she not only embraces her dark side but also reminds audiences of her evolution as an actress. As Monroe prepares for the reception of *Victorian Psycho*, she remains eager to explore both familiar and new territories in her acting career.
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