Vicious Review: I didn’t expect Vicious to mess me up this much. It was day three at Fantastic Fest, mid-afternoon, and I was still recovering from a Whataburger hangover when this movie hit like a gut punch. Brian Bertino, yeah, the guy behind The Strangers and The Dark and the Wicked, is back, and man, he’s darker than ever.
I’ve been watching horror festivals for years, but Vicious isn’t just another scary flick. It’s raw, emotional, and disturbingly personal. This one lingers.
About the Film
Vicious is directed by Brian Bertino and stars Dakota Fanning in a role that’s honestly one of her most intense performances to date. The movie’s expected to release directly on Paramount+ around November or December, though I seriously hope it gets a short theatrical run, because this one deserves to be seen in a dark cinema with a quiet audience.
The tone? Think The Dark and the Wicked, slow-burn terror mixed with existential dread.
My Rating: 2.5/5
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Vicious |
| Director | Brian Bertino |
| Writer | Brian Bertino |
| Genre | Psychological Horror, Drama |
| Main Cast | Dakota Fanning, Rachel Blanchard, Emily Mitchell |
| Runtime | 1h 38m |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Distributor / Platform | Paramount+ (expected streaming release) |
| Release Date | October 10, 2025 |
Plot Overview (No Spoilers)
Dakota Fanning plays a woman drowning in depression, the kind that makes every day feel heavier than the last. One evening, an old woman knocks on her door, claiming to be lost, holding a small box, and asking to call her son.
So far, so normal. But things start spiraling the moment that box opens. What follows is a descent into psychological chaos and supernatural horror that never lets you feel safe again.
No jump scares, no cheap thrills, just a slow, suffocating sense of doom that gets under your skin.
Dakota Fanning’s Performance
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Dakota Fanning absolutely owns this movie. She’s practically in every scene, carrying the emotional and physical weight of the story like it’s second nature.
Her portrayal of depression is hauntingly real, quiet, tired, and heavy without overplaying it. She gives Vicious its soul. And when the horror hits, she doesn’t scream her way through it; she feels it. This might be one of her best performances yet.
The Setup: When the Knock Comes
That first knock on the door? It’s one of the best “oh no” moments I’ve seen all year. The old woman seems frail, confused, and harmless, until she isn’t.
When she opens that box and says, “I’m going to start now,” everything changes. Suddenly, the air in the room feels poisonous. The tension is unbearable, and the line between real and unreal starts to blur fast.
When Reality Starts to Crack
From there, Vicious becomes a nightmare. Doors open when they shouldn’t, voices whisper things that shouldn’t be said, and time starts to feel off.
The horror here isn’t about monsters, it’s about the fear of losing control, of being swallowed by your own mind. Bertino doesn’t need flashy effects; he uses silence, shadows, and space to wreck your nerves.
Brian Bertino’s Direction
If you’ve seen The Dark and the Wicked, you’ll recognize his fingerprints immediately. This is Bertino doing what he does best, creating horror from despair.
He’s not out to entertain; he’s out to make you feel. Every frame feels intentional, like a slow descent into madness. You can tell this is a filmmaker who’s not afraid to sit in uncomfortable moments and let the audience squirm.
Themes of Depression and Self-Destruction
This isn’t an easy watch. Vicious tackles depression and suicidal thoughts head-on, and it’s not gentle about it. The horror acts as a metaphor for the darkness inside, and while that’s been done before, this movie makes it deeply personal.
It’s not exploitative, it’s empathetic. You can tell Bertino and Fanning wanted to tell this story with care, not just shock.
Visuals, Atmosphere, and Sound Design
Everything about Vicious looks and sounds unsettling. The lighting feels natural but cold, the house feels too quiet, and even the smallest creaks make you flinch.
There’s something about Bertino’s cinematography that feels intimate yet isolating. You’re never sure what’s lurking in the corners, or if anything even is. That’s the genius.
Ending Explained (No Full Spoilers)
Now, the ending, yeah, that’s where things get divisive. Some viewers at the screening were confused or frustrated. I get it. Bertino doesn’t spell things out.
For me, though, the ending landed perfectly. It’s ambiguous but meaningful, open to multiple interpretations. It leaves you thinking, What would I have done in her place? That’s good storytelling.
Vicious vs. Typical Horror
Forget jump scares and cheap twists, Vicious plays in a whole different league. It’s horror that breathes, waits, and then stabs you with emotion instead of shock.
This isn’t for everyone. If you want fast-paced, popcorn horror, this might feel too slow. But if you want dread that sticks to your ribs, Vicious is your meal.
The Indie Filmmaking Energy
During the post-screening Q&A, Bertino talked about his journey, from being a fan at Fantastic Fest to standing there as a filmmaker. That humility shows in his work. He’s not chasing box office numbers; he’s chasing truth in storytelling.
And that’s why indie horror is thriving, it’s made by people who actually love the genre.
Also Read: The Black Phone 2 Review — The Grabber Returns, But Does the Fear Still Work?
Fan Connections and Community
One of my favorite moments from the fest was chatting with Toby Poser from Hellbender. No pretense, no ego, just pure passion for the craft. That’s what makes this community so special.
Its creators, fans, and filmmakers are all vibing over the same weird, dark art. Vicious fits right into that ecosystem; it’s for people who love horror for what it reveals about us, not just what it hides in the dark.
Good & Bad of Vicious
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Dakota Fanning’s powerhouse performance | Slow pacing might turn off casual viewers |
| Emotionally raw storytelling | The ending is divisive |
| Gorgeous, eerie cinematography | No clear answers for those who want closure |
| Deep, meaningful themes | Could trigger viewers sensitive to depression/self-harm |
| Effective use of sound and silence | Limited setting might feel repetitive |
Final Verdict
Vicious is the kind of film that gets under your skin and stays there. It’s not about cheap scares, it’s about what happens when darkness becomes familiar.
Dakota Fanning is phenomenal, Brian Bertino proves again that he’s one of horror’s most emotionally intelligent directors, and the story feels painfully human.
If you can handle heavy themes and you appreciate horror that means something, this one’s for you. Just… maybe keep the lights on afterward.
FAQs
1. When will “Vicious” be released?
It’s streaming on Paramount+ on October 10, 2025.
2. Is “Vicious” based on a true story?
No, but it feels frighteningly real due to its emotional depth and psychological themes.
3. Does “Vicious” have a happy ending?
Not really, it’s more of an open ending that invites interpretation.
4. Is “Vicious” very violent or gory?
Yes, but it’s not constant. When the violence hits, it’s impactful and unsettling.
5. Is “Vicious” worth watching if I didn’t like The Strangers?
Absolutely. This one’s less about home invasion and more about internal horror; it’s slower, deeper, and far more psychological.