Movies – Messy But Make It Cute https://messybutmakeitcute.com Crime, Thriller & Horror Book Reviews Sat, 02 May 2026 16:46:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/messybutmakeitcute.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Movies – Messy But Make It Cute https://messybutmakeitcute.com 32 32 243684322 Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito Review, Spoilers and Ending Explained https://messybutmakeitcute.com/victorian-psycho-plot-and-ending-explained/ https://messybutmakeitcute.com/victorian-psycho-plot-and-ending-explained/#respond Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:53:10 +0000 https://messybutmakeitcute.com/?p=6510 Victorian Psycho plot and ending explained

Well, well, well… look who’s back.

It’s been a minute since my last post, right? I couldn’t stay away for long. Life happened, reading slowed down, and the blog took a little pause. But now I’m back for good.

And what better way to return than finally breaking down one of my Christmas reads, Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito. A very festive choice, right?

Bt yeah, enough talking. Let’s get into it.

Spoiler-Free Zone
This section of the post is completely spoiler-free, no twists revealed, no key plot points given away. It’s safe to keep reading, even if you haven’t started the book yet.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

it’s good entertainment. It’s not a deep or profound read, but the last few scenes are genuinely fun, chaotic, and wildly entertaining to read. They almost make up for the earlier frustrations and deliver the unhinged payoff.
A 3/5 star read!

Victorian Psycho – Book Synopsis

Victorian Psycho plot and ending explained

Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito

First published January 9, 2025

Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House prepared to play the perfect Victorian governess. She’ll dutifully tutor her charges, Drusilla and Andrew, tell them bedtime stories, and only joke about eating children. But the longer Winifred spends within the estate’s dreary confines and the more she learns of the perversions and pathetic preoccupations of the Pounds family, the more trouble she has sticking to her plan.

Whether creeping across the moonlit lawns in her undergarments or gently tormenting the house staff, Winifred struggles at every turn to stifle the horrid compulsions of her past until her chillingly dark imagination breaches the feeble boundary of reality on Christmas morning.

Goodreads Rating

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Title

Victorian Psycho

Author

Virginia Feito

Genre

Horror, Historical Fiction, Gothic, Thriller

Format

208 pages, Paperback

Published

February 4, 2025 by Liveright

ISBN 10

9781631498633 (ISBN10: 1631498630)

ASIN 13

1631498630

Language

English

Author’s Bio – Virginia Feito

A native of Spain, Virginia Feito was raised in Madrid and Paris, and studied English and drama at Queen Mary University of London. She worked as a copywriter until she quit to write her debut novel. She lives in Madrid.

Check her Official Website: Virginia Feito

Consider adding Victorian Psycho to your TBR list on Goodreads.

Victorian Psycho – Quick Details

Victorian Psycho plot and ending explained

Victorian Psycho – Trigger Warnings, Sensitive Topics and Age Rating

Before we go any further, I always like to include a quick note on sensitive content. Every reader is different, and some themes in this book might be difficult for certain people.

If you prefer to check content warnings before reading, just click below to reveal the list of trigger warnings, sensitive topics and age ratting.

Age Rating

18+ (Mature Readers Only)
Adult readers. I would place it at 18 plus due to graphic content and disturbing themes.

Trigger Warnings / Sensitive Topics:

  • Violence and Gore
  • Murder
  • Animal Cruelty
  • Psychological Abuse
  • Mental Instability
  • Sexual Content
  • Death, Suffering and Torture
  • Dark Humour
  • Isolation and Confinement
    Abuse and Violence Against Minors

Notes

This book includes a range of sensitive topics that may be distressing for some readers. While the writing is literary and not overly graphic, the themes are emotionally heavy and complex.

Victorian Psycho Book Covers Around the World

Never judge a book by its cover. Well, I don’t think so. At least not in the case of Victorian Psycho.

One of the most interesting things about this book is how it travelled across different countries. Each edition comes with its own cover design, and those covers became part of the buzz around the book.

They are incredibly well designed and capture the tone of the story perfectly. Each one offers a slightly different take on the same dark, unsettling world.

Here are some of the covers I found:

  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    English
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    Brazil
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    Spain
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    Spain
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    Poland
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    English
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    English
  • Victorian Psycho Book Cover
    Portugal

So, which Victorian Psycho cover wins for you? Tell me in the comments.

My Thoughts about Victorian Psycho

As I mentioned earlier, Victorian Psycho had been sitting on my TBR for ages. I finally picked it up as one of my Christmas reads because the entire story unfolds during the weeks leading up to Christmas and into New Year’s Eve, perfect for that festive gothic horror vibe I love so much.
That said, I have to admit it left me with pretty mixed feelings. So grab a seat, and I’ll tell you exactly why.

Let’s start with what I actually liked. I really enjoyed the feminist angle and the fresh twist on the classic gothic governess trope. On top of that, the book is surprisingly addictive. It’s a slow burn that works well because of the two timelines: the present events at the manor and the gradual reveal of Winifred’s past. Honestly, what kept me turning the pages was wanting to understand her backstory, what shaped her and why she ended up in that house in the first place.

Now, let’s talk about what didn’t quite work for me. Some parts felt far-fetched, and I struggled to suspend my disbelief more than once. I understand the book is aiming for ultra-violent gothic satire. Virginia Feito has explained in interviews that she wanted to flip the cosy, romanticised version of the Victorian era to show the class cruelty, repression of women, and all the hypocrisy underneath. She set out to create a truly unsympathetic female psychopath, not a victim we excuse, and not a cool avenger.

Still, this is where the book lost me a little…

The violence often felt gratuitous and almost juvenile, nasty for the sake of being nasty, rather than deepening the satire or advancing the story. Some scenes actually made me roll my eyes instead of feeling shocked or disturbed. After a while, the repetition started pulling me out of the atmosphere, and the dark humour got drowned out by the exaggerated gore.

I also wanted more development around Winifred’s past, especially stronger parallels between her backstory and the present events at the manor. The book is quite short, and with a few more pages and a bit more depth in those areas, it could have delivered a much stronger emotional impact.

Still, it’s good entertainment. It’s not a deep or profound read, but the last few scenes are genuinely fun, chaotic, and wildly entertaining to read. They almost make up for the earlier frustrations and deliver the unhinged payoff.

Some Book Quotes

“I fail to understand why men think violence will intimidate women. Women, who bleed all over themselves every month, who rub blood clots between their fingers and burst them like insects…”

“Back in the middle ages they burned unruly women at the stake… cause there’s nothing scarier than a woman mad and/or aware of her own magic.”

“Leaves are strewn across the grounds in hues of bile and blood.”

Victorian Psycho – Full Spoilers Section

Contains Major Spoilers
If you haven’t finished the book yet, you might want to bookmark this page and come back later. I’ll be diving into important plot points, big twists, and key character details.
Read on only if you’re ready for the full story!

Victorian Psycho – Character List

Character Name

Character Role

Winifred Notty

Governess and narrator

Mr Pounds

Father and employer

Mrs Pounds

Mother

Drusilla Pounds

daughter

Andrew Pounds

Son

The Reverend

Winifred’s Stepfather

Mother

Winifred’s mother

Mrs Able

Housekeeper at Ensor House

Sue Lamb

Housemaid at Ensor House

Fergus

Hall Boy at Ensor House

Mr Gotthard Johnson

Painter at Ensor House

Gormire Fancey

Guest at Ensor House

Mr Fancey

Guest at Ensor House

Mrs Fancey

Guest at Ensor House

Marigold

Guest at Ensor House

Miss Manners

Guest at Ensor House

The Dowager

Guest at Ensor House

Cousin Margaret

Guest at Ensor House

The Footman

Estate Worker

Art Fishal

Guest at Ensor House

The nurse

Estate Worker

The Butler

Estate Worker

Miss Petty

Winifred’s School Teacher

The Gamekeeper

Estate Worker

The Gamekeeper’s wife

Estate Worker

Victorian Psycho – Plot and End Explained

The story follows Winifred Notty, a young governess who arrives at a remote, gloomy manor called Ensor House. She takes a position caring for two difficult children, Drusilla and Andrew, from the wealthy Pounds family. On the surface, Winifred looks like the perfect Victorian governess. She speaks politely, keeps her composure, and fits the role perfectly.

However, from the very start, something feels off. Winifred’s thoughts sound cold, strange, and often disturbing. Early on, she tells us that in three months, everyone in the house will be dead. From that moment, the story builds toward that outcome.

Ok, so the book moves between two timelines.

On one side, you follow daily life at Ensor House. You see the lessons, the routines, and the growing tension between everyone in the house. On the other side, you get pieces of Winifred’s past. These moments show that her behaviour did not start here. She has a long history of manipulation and violence.

Because of this structure, you start to understand her while also watching things fall apart in the present.

At first, the book builds slowly. Winifred observes more than she acts. Then, little by little, things change. Servants disappear. Strange events happen around the house. People grow afraid and start to believe something supernatural is happening.

From that point, the story shifts. Winifred stops holding back and starts acting on her impulses.

At first, everything looks like a normal celebration. The table is full, the guests eat and drink, and the house feels alive. However, something feels off the entire time. The mood is heavy. Conversations feel forced. There is tension under the surface that never goes away.

At this point, Winifred no longer hides what she is. Instead, she moves through the feast with full control. She watches everyone, already thinking about what comes next. While the others celebrate, she starts to act.

Soon after, she begins to move through the house. She reveals the bodies she has already hidden, which makes one thing clear. The “ghost” everyone feared does not exist. Winifred created every strange noise, every disappearance, and every moment of fear.

From here, the story shifts completely. The controlled tension turns into open chaos. The feast does not just celebrate Christmas. It sets the stage for everything that follows, the violence, the collapse of the house, and the complete loss of control.

Not always. During a game on Christmas Eve, Winifred imagines attacking Drusilla. The next morning, Drusilla appears completely fine. This moment changes how you read the story.

It shows that Winifred’s mind mixes reality, memory, and imagination. Because of that, you cannot fully trust everything she describes.

Winifred grows up in a harsh and unstable environment from the very beginning.

She is born to a mother who works for a wealthy household. Because of that, her mother cannot care for her properly, so she leaves Winifred with a woman who looks after children. This arrangement quickly turns dark. The woman neglects and abuses the children. She gives them laudanum to keep them quiet, which leaves them weak, sick, and heavily sedated.

Eventually, Winifred’s mother returns and takes her back. However, this does not bring safety. At one point, her mother even tries to kill her. She stops before going through with it, but the damage is already there. She does not act out of simple anger. She acts because she believes Winifred is dangerous.

Later, her mother tries to rebuild her life. She marries a reverend and moves into a more stable situation. On the surface, this looks like a fresh start.

However, for Winifred, the early neglect, abuse, and instability have already shaped who she is. These experiences form the foundation of her detached and violent behaviour later in life.

One of the most important parts of her past takes place at school. She poisons the girls using a dead crow hidden in food. Many of them become seriously ill. This incident shows how far she is willing to go, even at a young age. It also confirms that her violent tendencies are not new. They have always been there.

“I lay out the bird, wings spread, on one of the platters, and arranged food on top of it to disguise the writhing maggots, digging my fingernails into the putrid flesh and flicking bits into the pudding.”

The book also hints at something even darker:

In Winifred’s past, several babies in her town die under suspicious circumstances. People speak around about it in a quiet and uneasy way, as something that feels wrong but never fully explained.

Then the book gives us her own version of events:

“I have always liked pretty things… When Mother and the Reverend came across all the unburied baby corpses in my bedroom, arranged neatly on the one shelf… they thought they were dolls, at first.”

This moment makes it clear that Winifred was involved. She collected the bodies and treated them like objects, which reinforces how detached she is from normal emotion.

Also, in the same passage, she hints at another killing, this time involving a woman:

“I did not tell them about the other one. The woman. Left outside for days, birds pecking at her hair. Her thumb made its way down a hungry fox’s intestinal tract, the bone out its anus – so said some hunters who found it. 

She was too big for the shelf. “

Throughout these flashbacks, a clear pattern appears. Winifred does not act out of panic or emotion. She observes, plans, and then acts.

That same pattern continues later at Ensor House. Because of this, her past does not excuse her actions. It explains how consistent her behaviour is. She does not suddenly become violent. She has always been this way.

On Christmas Day, Winifred confronts Mr Pounds and reveals the truth. He is her father.
She explains that she has searched for him for years. She worked in different houses to find him. She sees this moment as a reunion. However, he rejects her immediately.

He treats her as a threat and refuses to accept her.

That rejection pushes everything over the edge.

From that moment, Winifred takes full control and begins the massacre. She moves through the house and attacks everyone she finds. She uses knives, tools, and weapons from the armoury. The violence escalates quickly. She kills guests, servants, and members of the family as they try to escape. Soon after, she kills Andrew and Mrs Pounds.

The house turns into a trap where no one can leave.

Drusilla is not just a witness.

When Winifred confronts Mr Pounds again, he tries to survive by pretending to accept her. That does not work. Drusilla steps in and kills him.

“At that moment Drusilla springs forth between us, wielding a rapier, like a fair-haired swashbuckler.
Emitting a cry fit for a launch into battle, Drusilla thrusts the slender blade into Mr Pounds’ chest, straight through the heart, both her hands cupped around the curved hilt as she pushes it in.”

Drusilla then becomes part of the violence. She joins Winifred. Together, they move through the house and kill the remaining people. By the end, almost everyone connected to Ensor House is dead.

After the massacre, the story slows down.

Winifred and Drusilla stay in the house for days. They eat, wander, and live among the bodies. The house starts to decay. Animals appear. The outside world begins to notice that something is wrong.

Eventually, the police arrive.

At that point, Drusilla changes her role. She presents herself as a victim and tells the police that Winifred killed everyone. She shifts the blame and secures her survival. The police arrest Winifred.

In the final chapter, she faces execution. She shows no regret. She laughs and speaks openly about what she did. She describes everything as something “grand.”

In the final chapter, Winifred faces execution. A large crowd gathers to watch. She walks to the gallows without fear. She does not resist. She does not try to defend herself. Instead, she laughs.

Even in that final moment, she stays completely detached. She does not change. She does not apologise. She does not try to justify herself in a way that asks for sympathy.

The story ends with her execution. Her mindset never shifts, and she never shows any regret.

Victorian Psycho Movie Adaptation, What We Know So Far

Is Victorian Psycho becoming a movie?

Yes, and it makes a lot of sense! After all the buzz around the book, especially on TikTok, it did not take long for talks of a film adaptation to gain traction.

Who is the cast of the Victorian Psycho movie?

The lead role of Winifred Notty will be played by Maika Monroe, known for her work in horror films like It Follows and Longlegs. She fits the role well, especially for a character that needs to feel both controlled and completely unhinged.

  • Victorian Psycho Official Movie Poster
    Victorian Psycho Official Movie Poster
  • Victorian Psycho Movie Cast Images
    Maika Monroe
    as Winnifred
  • Victorian Psycho Movie Cast Images
    Jason Isaacs
    as Mr Pounds
  • Victorian Psycho Movie Cast Images
    Thomasin McKenzie
    as Miss Lamb


Originally, Margaret Qualley was attached to the project, but she left due to scheduling conflicts.

The cast also includes Thomasin McKenzie, Jason Isaacs, and Jacobi Jupe, which gives the film a strong and experienced lineup.

Who is directing Victorian Psycho?

The film is directed by Zachary Wigon, known for Sanctuary. His work focuses on tension and character driven stories, which matches the tone of Victorian Psycho very well.

Where was the Victorian Psycho movie filmed?

Filming started in August 2025 and took place mainly in Ireland, with some additional scenes filmed in the United Kingdom. The locations were chosen to match the isolated and atmospheric setting of Ensor House, which plays a key role in the story.

Production wrapped in late 2025, and the film is now in post production.

When is the Victorian Psycho movie release date?

Victorian Psycho is expected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026, in the Un Certain Regard section.

After that, the film will be released in cinemas in the US on September 25, 2026, with distribution also planned for the UK and Ireland.

Should you read Victorian Psycho before watching the movie?

I’ll be honest, I always prefer reading the original first.

That way, when the movie comes out, you can really compare. You can see if it stays true to the book, if it improves certain parts, or if it loses something along the way. It also helps you connect more with the story, especially with a character like Winifred, where so much happens inside her head.

So if you ask me, yes, I would definitely read Victorian Psycho before watching the movie.

Let’s Chat!

What about you? Have you read Victorian Psycho? Did the buzz pull you in, or did you pick it up for a different reason?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below and let’s chat!

]]> https://messybutmakeitcute.com/victorian-psycho-plot-and-ending-explained/feed/ 0 6510 The Thursday Murder Club Movie: Trailer Breakdown https://messybutmakeitcute.com/the-thursday-murder-club-movie-trailer-breakdown/ Sat, 31 May 2025 21:14:47 +0000 https://messybutmakeitcute.com/?p=4099

The Thursday Murder Club movie trailer is finally here, and I’ve got thoughts. I’ve watched it a few times (okay, maybe more than a few), and honestly, this post turned into a bit of a The Thursday Murder Club film breakdown, because there’s a lot to unpack!

The main goal is break down some of the key scenes, share what stood out, and compare the trailer’s vibe to the book, what feels accurate, what doesn’t, and how well those quick glimpses match the story we know. If you’ve read the novel, you’ll definitely spot some familiar faces and settings, and maybe a few surprises too.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Fair warning: this post is packed with spoilers.
If you haven’t read the book yet and want to go into the movie blind, I recommend bookmarking this post and coming back after you’ve finished reading — or after the film comes out.

The Thursday Murder Club Official Trailer

The Thursday Murder Club Official Poster

I’m obsessed with the new poster for The Thursday Murder Club movie, it totally nails the vibe!

The Thursday Murder Club Official Poster

Trailer Breakdown: Key Moments

The trailer gives us just a few minutes of footage, but there’s already a lot to unpack. Here are the key moments that stood out, and what they might tell us about how The Thursday Murder Club will come to life on screen.

The Thursday Murder Club Trailer First Impressions
Screenshots from the official trailer – Netflix

Coopers Chase & the Cold Case

The trailer opens with a clear view of Coopers Chase, the upscale retirement community where our main characters live. Helen Mirren (Elizabeth) introduces a cold case from 1973. We flash back to the 70’s and see a woman stabbed under the ribs, falling down the stairs, while a man watches.

Inside the Jigsaw Room

Back in the present, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim are in the Jigsaw Room discussing the case. Joyce enters the room with what seems to be her daughter. She’s surprised to see the investigation board, and the others quickly pretend they’re doing something else to hide the case.

Quick Cuts & Clues

A fast montage follows: Elizabeth examines something with a magnifying glass, and we see an old skeleton being zipped into a bag.

Ron Leads a Protest

Ron organises a protest near the cemetery that Ian Ventham plans to destroy for more development. Other residents join in with signs while Ron takes charge of the moment.

Small Moments with the Team

We get a few brief clips of Joyce, Elizabeth, and Ibrahim interacting, then a shot of the group walking in pajamas, discussing a real murder.

A Real Case Emerges

We see a bloody hand cutting roses, police putting tape around a gate, and a body on the ground. Joyce lights up at the idea of a real murder to solve, while the others react with much less enthusiasm.

Donna, Secrets & Suspense

DCI Donna De Freitas makes an appearance. Ron and Ibrahim look puzzled by something they spot on the ground during the protest. Meanwhile, Elizabeth makes a tense phone call in the dark as someone walks behind her. We also catch a quick glimpse of a necklace with the initials “TMC.”

Driving, Clues & the Final Shot

Joyce, Ibrahim, Ron, and Elizabeth walk down a corridor as Elizabeth holds a folder. Then Elizabeth speeds through the streets in a nice sport car, with Donna De Freitas by her side. The trailer ends with someone holding a magnifier over a jigsaw puzzle that says The Thursday Murder Club.

Trailer vs. Book: Notable Differences

Alright, I noticed quite a few differences here. I’ll walk you through all of them, then share my first impressions and thoughts on The Thursday Murder Club movie trailer, how accurate it feels compared to the book, and what we might expect from the full film.

The Thursday Murder Club Trailer Reaction
Screenshots from the official trailer – Netflix

Coopers Chase Setting

  • Trailer: Shown as a single luxurious building.
  • Book: Described as a retirement village built around a central hub (a former convent), with individual houses and flats, plus shared facilities like a restaurant, pool, and recreation areas.
  • Possible reason for the change: Simplifying the setting to one location likely makes it easier to film and keeps all characters interacting in the same space, enhancing group dynamics.

The 1973 Cold Case

  • Trailer: A woman is stabbed and falls from a window; a man witnesses it.
  • Book: The victim, is stabbed inside her home. Her boyfriend calls the police, claiming he saw an intruder and tried to stop him, but couldn’t save her. She dies from her injuries. There’s no window fall or witness scene in the book.
  • Possible reason for the change: A dramatic visual (like falling from a window) adds tension and visual impact.

Joyce’s Introduction to the Club

  • Trailer: Joyce enters the Jigsaw Room with her daughter Joanna and is surprised by the investigation board.
  • Book: Elizabeth personally invites Joyce to join the group; there’s no secrecy or surprise, the group welcomes her openly.
  • Possible reason for the change: Adding an element of surprise and making Joyce’s discovery feel more accidental may help create a stronger sense of secrecy around the club.

The Cemetery Protest

  • Trailer: A coordinated outdoor protest with signs, led by Ron.
  • Book: The confrontation happens more organically on the day the workers arrive to begin moving the old nuns’ cemetery. The protest isn’t pre-planned, Ron naturally steps into a leadership role. Residents set up tables, serve tea, and casually occupy the space with everyday activities, effectively preventing the workers from starting the job.
  • Possible reason for the change: A visual protest scene is more engaging on screen and quickly communicates Ron’s activist spirit and leadership.

Elizabeth Driving With Donna De Freitas

  • Trailer: Elizabeth drives a car at high speed with PCI Donna de Freitas as a passenger.
  • Book: The group usually takes buses or taxis, and when they do need a driver, it’s typically Ibrahim. Elizabeth is never shown driving like this in the book.
  • Possible reason for the change: Adding a fast-driving scene gives Elizabeth more of a “badass former spy” vibe.

TMC Necklaces

  • Trailer: Main characters are seen wearing necklaces with the initials “TMC.”
  • Book: There’s no mention of a necklace, TMC or otherwise, in the novel. The book focuses on character dynamics, settings, and the unfolding mystery, but doesn’t reference any jewellery or symbolic accessories.
  • Possible reason for the change: The necklace may have been added as a visual cue to reinforce the club’s importance among its members, and will likely serve as a symbol of Joyce’s acceptance into the group.

Thursday Murder Club Film Breakdown What I Loved (and What I’m Not Sure About Yet)

Right, should I start by saying I’m a massive fan of The Thursday Murder Club series? Because I am, a true die-hard. And honestly? I’m not totally sold on the vibe the trailer is giving off. That’s why I couldn’t resist doing a proper The Thursday Murder Club film breakdown to figure out what’s working and what feels a little off.

I get that it’s tough to adapt a book like this for the screen, especially one with so many characters and plot threads. They’ve got to fit it all into a two-hour movie, and that’s no easy task.

The Thursday Murder Club Trailer Breakdown
Screenshots from the official trailer – Netflix

That said, the trailer gave me RED (2010) energy, you know, the retired-people-with-secrets kind of action comedy? Funnily enough, Helen Mirren was in RED too, and now here she is again.

What’s bugging me: Elizabeth, behind the wheel of a sports car, speeding and pulling slick manoeuvres? That’s where I draw the line. The heart of The Thursday Murder Club is its cozy mystery charm, like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) meets espionage. In the book, the characters ride buses to the village, take trains, do Pilates, and gossip over tea with lemon drizzle cake. That’s the charm, that’s the whole point.

Now let’s talk about Joyce, I can see what they’re doing with her, positioning her as the underdog outsider who wins the group over with charm and wit. Honestly, I don’t hate that choice. My guess is that the “TMC” necklace we glimpse in one quick shot is part of her official acceptance into the club. It actually works, story-wise, and I think it’ll be really fun to watch her become part of the gang.

Richard Osman on the Adaptation

Richard Osman has openly acknowledged that The Thursday Murder Club movie won’t be an exact replica of the book, and he’s completely okay with that. He’s explained that adapting a novel for the screen naturally involves changes, and while the film is based on the first book, it won’t follow every detail to the letter.

He sold the rights to Amblin (yes, Spielberg’s company) before the book was even published and agreed not to have full creative control. The script is written by others, and Osman has chosen to stay hands-off to let the film stand on its own. Though he visited the set and has a small voice cameo, he opted out of a physical appearance to avoid distracting from the story.

While he hasn’t addressed specific changes, he’s expressed full confidence in the team, saying Spielberg knows how to make a great film. His approach is simple: “I write the book, they make the movie.”

Is The Thursday Murder Club movie in theaters or on Netflix in August 2025?

The answer is yes! The film adaptation will hit UK cinemas for a limited run starting 22 August. After that, it’ll land on Netflix and be available to stream from 28 August.

I can’t wait to see how the gang comes to life on screen!

My Final Thoughts

What made The Thursday Murder Club so special, and so beloved, was its warmth, wit, and quiet charm. I just really hope the film doesn’t trade that cozy, clever energy for flashy action scenes that miss the point. We don’t need explosions or car chases. We need heart, humour, and just enough murder to keep things interesting. That’s the magic of the book, and I truly hope the movie remembers that.

After going through this Thursday Murder Club film breakdown, I’d love to hear what you think.

Did the trailer match the vibe of the book for you? Are you excited, unsure, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s chat all things Thursday Murder Club!

If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late! Come be part of the #SolveItBeforeSept reading challenge, we’re reading all four books before the new one arrives this fall.
Grab your copy, download the printable tracker, and jump in anytime!
A Thursday Murder Club Reading Challenge

]]> 4099 Alice Feeney Book Adaptations: A Guide to Movies & TV Series https://messybutmakeitcute.com/alice-feeney-book-adaptations/ Thu, 15 May 2025 14:46:23 +0000 https://messybutmakeitcute.com/?p=3419

I’m really excited! My all-time favourite thriller author, Alice Feeney, has some of her best stories heading to the screen. Alice Feeney book adaptations are officially happening, with big names like Netflix and FOX involved. Honestly, it was only a matter of time, her twisty, page-turning stories are perfect for film and television.

In this post, I’ll take you through everything available so far, from confirmed castings to projects currently in development. (And yes, I’m already picturing the ideal actors for the ones still to come.)

Why Alice Feeney’s Stories Work So Well On Screen?

In my opinion, there’s a good reason so many of Alice Feeney’s books are being adapted. Every time I read one, I feel like she writes in a way that’s made for the screen. It’s so easy to picture everything she describes.

What I love most about her thrillers is how she writes about relationships, especially couples. Her stories often explore marriage, trust, betrayal, and the kinds of secrets people keep from the ones they love. She takes everyday emotions like love, jealousy, and fear, and turns them into something gripping and unpredictable.

Whether it’s a couple stuck in a remote house or a woman trying to figure out who she can trust, her books show what happens when relationships start to fall apart, and how far people might go to hide the truth. The pacing is tight, the suspense builds just right, and it all leads to her signature plot twists, which never disappoint.

To me, her books don’t just read well, they look like something you’d want to watch. That’s why I truly believe everything she writes will work beautifully on screen.

A Quick Look: Which Alice Feeney Books Made It to Screen?

Here’s a quick look at the Alice Feeney books that made it to the screen.

Book Title

Format

Platform

Status

Notable Names

Production

Beautiful Ugly

Movie

TBA

In Development

TBA

Hidden Pictures – Todd Lieberman’s Production Company

His & Hers

TV Series

Netflix

Filming

Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal

Jessica Chastain’s Freckle Films and Endeavor Content

Rock Paper Scissors

TV Series

Netflix

In Development

TBA

Suzanne Mackie (Executive Producer)

Sometimes I Lie

TV Series

FOX

Unknown

Sarah Michelle Gellar

A Very Good Production’s DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman
A1. Alt text: Book cover of "Ugly Love" by Alice Feeney featuring an ocean scene with a torn title design and a small island in the background, emphasizing thriller and literary fiction themes.

Beautiful Ugly

First published January 14, 2025

Beautiful Ugly is a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of marriage, grief, and the blurry line between reality and illusion.

The story follows Grady Green, a once-successful author whose life falls apart when his wife, Abby, disappears without a trace. A year later, still lost in grief and unable to write, Grady retreats to a remote Scottish island in search of peace, and maybe inspiration.

But things take a strange turn when he meets a woman on the island who looks exactly like Abby. From there, he finds himself drawn into a web of secrets, deception, and twists he never saw coming.

As Grady tries to make sense of what’s real and what’s not, he’s forced to face a difficult truth: can he trust what he sees, or is his own mind betraying him?

Get it on Amazon

What we know so far:

Even before hitting the shelves, this one was already on its way to the screen. Alice Feeney’s newest novel, Beautiful Ugly, became a bestseller, and even before that, it was picked up for a film adaptation.

  • Film Adaptation Confirmed: In January 2025, Hidden Pictures, the production company founded by Todd Lieberman, acquired the rights to adapt Beautiful Ugly into a feature film.
  • Production Team: The film will be produced by Todd Lieberman and Alex Young of Hidden Pictures. Alice Feeney is also involved in the project as an executive producer, alongside David Glickman.
  • Cast: Nothing confirmed yet

When Will the Beautiful Ugly Movie Be Released?

The project is currently in the early stages of development, with no specific release date announced yet. So far, casting and production details haven’t been shared either.

The movie might take a while, but you don’t have to! You can read Beautiful Ugly now and get ahead of the story, or add it to your Goodreads list so it’s ready for your next TBR pile refresh.

Slashes of red and white twisted rope forming a heart shape on a book cover, with bold red and black text, featuring a mystery novel titled "HIS AND HERS" by Alice Feeney for book lovers and suspense fans.

His & Hers

First published July 28, 2020

His & Hers is a gripping psychological thriller told from two perspectives: Anna Andrews, a BBC news presenter trying to hold on to her career, and Detective Jack Harper, a police officer investigating a disturbing murder in a quiet English village.

When a woman is found dead in the woods, Jack is shocked to recognise her, and realises he might know more about the case than he should. At the same time, Anna is sent to cover the story and quickly discovers that the victim isn’t a stranger to her either.

As the investigation unfolds, both Jack and Anna are forced to confront secrets from their past. Each of them has something to hide and someone knows it. The deeper they dig, the more tangled the truth becomes.

Get it on Amazon

What we know so far:

Alice Feeney’s 2020 thriller His & Hers was always destined for the screen, and now it’s officially in the works. It’s one of my favourite Alice Feeney books, so I truly can’t wait!

  • TV Series Adaptation Confirmed: Netflix is adapting His & Hers into a limited series. The announcement came in 2024, and the project is now in production. The series is being developed by Freckle Films (Jessica Chastain’s company), along with Fifth Season.
Red-haired woman and woman with dark hair smiling at an event, holding a director's chair with "HIS & HER'S" written on it; cozy rustic interior background.
Jessica Chastain and Alice Feeney on the set of His & Hers.
Source: Alice Feeney’s official Instagram (@alicewriterland)
  • Cast: The show stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, playing the two main leads, a news anchor and a detective with a complicated past.
Smiling women and man at outdoor event, casual and professional outfits, friendship and happy moments, diverse group, social gathering, urban setting, candid photo, joyful atmosphere.
Alice Feeney and Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal on the set of His and Hers.
Source: Alice Feeney’s official Instagram (@alicewriterland)

You can see more behind-the-scenes photos by following Alice Feeney’s official Instagram account, she often shares updates and keeps fans in the loop about the production.

Production Team

The production team behind the show includes:

  • Showrunner – Dee Johnson
  • Directors – Anja Marquardt | William Oldroyd
  • Executive Producers: Jessica Chastain, Dee Johnson, Bill Dubuque, Kristen Campo, Tessa Thompson, William Oldroyd, Kishori Rajan, and Kelly Carmichael.
  • Writers – William Oldroyd (written for television by) | Bill Dubuque (written for television by) | Dee Johnson (written for television by) | Tori Sampson (written for television by) | Alice Feeney (based on a novel by)
  • Production Designer – Kelly McGehee

When Will His and Hers TV Series Be Released?

According to IMDbPro, the His & Hers TV series is confirmed for one season with six episodes. Netflix hasn’t shared an official release date for the His & Hers limited series yet. Filming wrapped in Atlanta between September and December 2024, and the show is now in post-production. If things follow the usual timeline, we can probably expect it to premiere in the second half of 2025.

The TV series might take a while, but you don’t have to wait! You can read His and Hers now and get ahead of the story, or add it to your Goodreads list for your next TBR refresh.


Rock paper scissors book cover with snowy forest background and small house, modern design, bold red typography, winter theme, best-selling novel by Alice Feeney, compelling book cover image, literary fiction promotion.

Rock Paper Scissors

First published August 19, 2021

Amelia and Adam Wright have been married for ten years, but their relationship is falling apart. Adam, a screenwriter with face blindness, can’t recognize faces—including Amelia’s. When they win a weekend at a remote chapel in the Scottish Highlands, they hope it might bring them closer.

But the trip takes a strange turn. The power goes out. They’re completely cut off. And someone seems to know their secrets.

Told through both their voices and a series of mysterious letters, Rock Paper Scissors is a tense, twist-filled story about love, lies, and trust gone wrong.

Get it on Amazon

What we know so far:

This is my all-time favourite book by Alice Feeney. It’s set in Scotland and packed with suspense, sharp twists, and a jaw-dropping ending. I was honestly delighted when I found out that Rock Paper Scissors is being turned into a six-part Netflix series.

  • TV Series Adaptation Confirmed: In April 2021, Netflix announced the adaptation of Rock Paper Scissors into a six-part series.
  • Production Team: The series is being produced by Suzanne Mackie, renowned for her work on The Crown, through her production company, Orchid Pictures. Alice Feeney is involved in the project and has expressed her excitement about the adaptation.
  • Cast: Nothing confirmed yet

When Will the Beautiful Ugly Movie Be Released?

Unfortunately, there’s no official release date for the Rock Paper Scissors series on Netflix yet. It’s confirmed for one season with six episodes. Filming is expected to take place in Scotland, but there’s no exact timeline available at the moment.

The TV series might take a while, but you don’t have to wait! You can read Rock Paper Scissors now and get ahead of the story, or add it to your Goodreads list for your next TBR refresh.

Sometimes I lie book cover, girl lying on dark background, modern thriller novel by Alice Feeney, suspenseful fiction, psychological thriller, book cover design, entertainment, bestseller, mystery novel relevance.

Sometimes I Lie

First published March 23, 2017

The story follows Amber Reynolds, a woman who wakes up in a hospital, but she can’t move, speak, or open her eyes. She’s in a coma, but she can hear everything happening around her. She doesn’t remember what happened, but she knows something isn’t right.

The narrative unfolds through three threads: Amber’s present in the hospital, the days leading up to the accident, and childhood diary entries from decades earlier. As the pieces come together, secrets begin to surface, about her husband, her sister, and her own past.

With every chapter, Sometimes I Lie asks you to question what you think is true. And as the title suggests, not everything, or everyone, can be trusted.

Get it on Amazon

What we know so far:

Alice Feeney’s debut psychological thriller, Sometimes I Lie, is being adapted into a limited television series.

  • TV Series Adaptation Confirmed: In November 2019, it was announced that Sometimes I Lie would be adapted into a limited series.
  • Production Team: Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Kleeman, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
  • Writer: Robin Swicord.
  • Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to star as Amber Reynolds.
Blonde woman with wavy hair wearing a white shirt, smiling confidently, professional portrait, messy but make it cute, modern fashion, indoor setting, stylish, casual elegance, hair and makeup focused.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ellen DeGeneres are behind the production of Sometimes I Lie
Source: Sarah Michelle Gellar Instagram (@sarahmgellar)and Ellen Degeneres Instagram (@ellendegeneres)

When Will the Beautiful Ugly Movie Be Released?

As of now, there is no official release date announced for the Sometimes I Lie series. The project is currently in development, and further details regarding production timelines have not been disclosed.

The TV series might take a while, but you don’t have to wait! You can read Rock Paper Scissors now and get ahead of the story, or add it to your Goodreads list for your next TBR refresh.

Final Thoughts & What I’m Hoping for Next

I’ve been reading Alice Feeney for years, and watching her stories head to the screen honestly feels so exciting! Her characters, the tension, the twists, it all just works. I can’t wait to see how these adaptations turn out, and I really hope they keep the same feeling that makes her books so addictive.

Of course, I’m already thinking about what could be next. Daisy Darker would make such a great film, the setting, the mood, the mystery… it’s all there. Honestly, I’d love to see all of her books adapted one day. Honestly, in my humble opinion, she hasn’t written a bad one yet.

I’ll keep this post updated whenever new info comes out, release dates, trailers, casting, anything that pops up. So feel free to check back if you’re just as curious (and obsessed) as I am.

Now I’d Love to Hear from You!

Which Alice Feeney book do you think will make the best movie or TV series? Drop your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to know which one you’re most excited to see on screen!

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