What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Times has published a review of the film 'Victorian Psycho,' based on a 2025 novel by Virginia Feito. The movie is described as a gender- and era-swapped take on 'American Psycho,' portraying a serial killer's story through the eyes of Winifred
Notty, a governess in Victorian England. Despite performances by Maika Monroe as Notty and Thomasin McKenzie as Miss Lamb, the review criticizes the film for its lack of substance. Director Zachary Wigon's stylistic choices, including frequent whip-pans and tilts, are noted as attempts to distract from the narrative's emptiness. The film's premise, which aims to tackle class and gender issues, is deemed to struggle in finding its own purpose, ultimately failing to deliver a compelling reason for the protagonist's homicidal urges until a late, ineffective reveal. The review highlights that the movie is 'all surface, no interior,' relying on provocative images and gore without a deeper foundation.
Why It's Important?
This review is important for the entertainment industry, particularly for film studios and distributors, as it provides critical feedback on a new release. A negative review from a prominent publication like the Los Angeles Times can influence audience perception and box office performance. For filmmakers, it underscores the challenge of adapting established concepts ('American Psycho') into fresh narratives, emphasizing that stylistic flair alone cannot compensate for a weak story or underdeveloped characters. The critique also reflects broader trends in film criticism, where originality and thematic depth are often prioritized over mere shock value or visual gimmickry. Audiences, especially those interested in horror or period pieces, might reconsider viewing 'Victorian Psycho' based on this assessment, potentially impacting its commercial success and the careers of those involved.
What's Next?
Following this review, the film's performance at the box office and its reception by other critics will be closely watched. If other reviews echo the Los Angeles Times' sentiment, 'Victorian Psycho' may struggle to find a significant audience, potentially leading to lower-than-anticipated revenue for its producers and distributors. The film's stars, Maika Monroe and Thomasin McKenzie, known for their work in horror, might see their future project choices influenced by the critical reception of this film. For director Zachary Wigon, this review could impact his reputation and future opportunities in the industry. The broader conversation around adaptations and the balance between style and substance in filmmaking is likely to continue, with 'Victorian Psycho' serving as a recent example of these challenges.
Beyond the Headlines
The review of 'Victorian Psycho' touches upon deeper implications regarding the current state of cinematic storytelling and adaptation. The film's attempt to 'gender- and era-swap' a classic like 'American Psycho' highlights a trend in Hollywood to reimagine existing intellectual property. However, the critique suggests that such adaptations must offer more than just a superficial change; they need to provide a compelling new perspective or thematic depth to justify their existence. The film's failure to connect its protagonist's actions to a coherent motivation, despite extensive internal monologuing, raises questions about narrative construction and the reliability of an 'unreliable narrator.' This also speaks to the ethical and cultural dimensions of portraying violence and madness on screen, particularly when the underlying reasons are underdeveloped. The review implies that simply being 'edgy' or 'provocative' is insufficient without a meaningful message or engaging plot, reflecting a broader audience desire for substance over mere spectacle.
