EXCLUSIVE: A24 has pre-bought domestic rights to buzzy horror package Victorian Psycho, which will star Margaret Qualley (The Substance) in the lead role alongside Thomasin Mckenzie (Leave No Trace).
As we revealed ahead of AFM, Zachary Wigon (Sanctuary) directs from a script by author Virginia Feito (Mrs. March), based on her upcoming novel of the same name.
The story is set in 1858 and sees an eccentric young governess named Winifred Notty (Qualley) arrive at the remote gothic manor known as Ensor House. Her responsibilities include teaching the children table manners and educating them about their family’s history, all whilst hiding her psychopathic tendencies. As Winifred assimilates into life at Ensor House, staff members begin to inexplicably disappear, and the owners of the estate begin to wonder if there is something amiss about their new governess. McKenzie will play a nursemaid who befriends the eccentric new governess.
Production is due to begin in March 2025.
Pic is produced by Dan Kagan (Longlegs) under his Traffic. banner as well as Sebastien Raybaud (Greenland) and Wigon, in association with Anonymous Content. Nick Shumaker and Bard Dorros will executive-produce.
This marks the second collaboration between Wigon and Qualley, following Wigon’s dominatrix thriller Sanctuary, which premiered at TIFF in 2022.
The deal was negotiated by Anton, UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers. Anton is fully financing the film and is representing international rights.
