Thomasin McKenzie Joins Margaret Qualley In Anton’s Psychological Horror Pic ‘Victorian Psycho’

EXCLUSIVE: Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho) is set to star alongside Margaret Qualley in Victorian Psychothe new psychological horror thriller reteaming Qualley with Zachary Wigon, who helmed her acclaimed Neon dominatrix thriller Sanctuary.

Recently introduced to buyers at AFM by Anton, which is representing international rights and co-repping domestic, in addition to fully financing the film, Victorian Psycho is based on the upcoming novel from bestselling author Virginia Feito (Mrs. March), who adapted the screenplay.

The story is set in 1858, watching as an eccentric young governess named Winifred Notty (Qualley) arrives at the remote gothic manor known as Ensor House. Winifred’s 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 at Ensor House who befriends the eccentric new Governess.

Set to shoot in February, Victorian Psycho will be produced by Dan Kagan (Neon’s LonglegsParamount’s Significant Other) under his Traffic. banner, as well as Sebastien Raybaud (Fuze, Greenland franchise) for Anton, and Wigon, in association with Anonymous Content. Nick Shumaker and Bard Dorros will exec produce. UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance co-rep U.S. rights to the film alongside Anton.

Since breaking out with her lead opposite Ben Foster in Debra Granik’s acclaimed survivalist drama Leave No TraceNew Zealander McKenzie has continued to elevate as a young star with roles in Taika Waititi’s Jojo RabbitEdgar Wright’s Last Night in Sohoand William Oldroyd’s Eileen opposite Anne Hathaway. Thus far, she’s also been recruited by top filmmakers like Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog), Justin Kurzel (True History of the Kelly Gang), and Peter Jackson (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies), among others.

Next to be seen starring opposite Bill Nighy in Netflix’s historical drama Joyout November 22, the actress’s slate coming up also includes Bleecker Street’s comedy Fackham Hall from comedian Jimmy Hall and The Jim Henson Company’s live-action Grendel. She is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Gail Cowan Management.