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Margaret Qualley Steps into Madness: Prepping for Victorian Psycho

Margaret Qualley is suiting up for her next role, and by suiting up, I mean she’s apparently wearing a corset around the house and subjecting her husband to an endless loop of British period dramas.

That’s right, Qualley is working on her British accent as she dives headfirst into the gothic nightmare that is Victorian Psycho — the upcoming psychological horror thriller from Sanctuary director Zachary Wigon.

If you’ve been keeping tabs on Qualley’s career, you know she’s no stranger to heavy hitters. She’s shared screen time with celebrities including Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Shane Black (The Nice Guys), and Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things). Now, she’s adding another notch to her eclectic belt with Wigon’s adaptation of Virginia Feito’s novel Victorian Psycho.

Feito’s script promises a cocktail of psychodrama, satire, gore, and mystery — a blend that sounds like it’s tailor-made for Qualley’s fearless approach to acting.

A Psychopath in a Corset

Set in 1858, Victorian Psycho follows Winifred Notty (played by Qualley), a governess who’s a little too good at hiding her psychopathic tendencies. She lands a gig at the sprawling gothic manor Ensor House, tasked with educating the children about proper table manners and their oh-so-noble family history. But as staff members start disappearing and the mansion’s owners begin to suspect their charming new hire, things spiral into a blood-soaked descent that promises to leave audiences squirming in their seats.

Qualley’s co-star? None other than Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, Old), who plays a nursemaid and one of Winifred’s few allies — or victims, depending on how this twisted tale unfolds.

A Dream Team of Twisted Minds

Wigon, riding high from the success of Sanctuary, is directing the project with a clear vision. “As soon as I discovered this thoroughly insane and unforgettable character, I knew I had to introduce moviegoers to Winifred Notty,” he said. “Margaret Qualley’s fearless approach to her craft is exactly what this complex antihero needs.”

Feito’s novel isn’t even out yet, but it’s already making waves, with Wigon promising it’s a “ride like nothing I’ve read before.” Dan Kagan, the producer behind the film, echoes that sentiment: “From its first few pages to its terrifying ending, Victorian Psycho delivered on every front. We’re thrilled to bring this twisted vision to life.”

Qualley Goes Full Method… Sort Of

For Qualley, prepping for the role means immersing herself in Victorian life. She’s reading books on the era, wearing a corset (and finding it surprisingly fun), and obsessively watching British accent-heavy movies. “I’ve never done a British accent before, so that’s terrifying,” she told IndieWire. “But it’s amazing how much we’ve evolved in such a short time period. I’m just trying to get used to moving a little differently.”

But don’t expect her to step behind the camera anytime soon. Despite working with legends like Richard Linklater (Blue Moon) and Ethan Coen (Honey Don’t!), Qualley isn’t itching to direct. “I really value directors and feel like they’re doing something completely different than I am. I just love working with people who know more about movies than I do and learning from them.”

What’s Next?

With A24 already securing domestic distribution rights and Anton handling international sales, Victorian Psycho is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films on the horror calendar. The cast, the premise, the creative team — it’s all a recipe for something unforgettable. And let’s be real: the idea of Margaret Qualley going full Victorian psycho has “cult classic” written all over it.

So, are you ready to hear Qualley’s take on a British accent? More importantly, are you ready to see her unravel in a corseted, blood-soaked gothic nightmare? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s hear your take on what could be one of the most deliciously unhinged performances of the year.

Last modified: January 27, 2025

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