Dive into the chilling depths of a nightmare you can't escape – that's the heart-pounding promise of the upcoming horror thriller Vicious, starring Dakota Fanning and helmed by director Bryan Bertino. If you've ever wondered what happens when a simple gift turns into a psychological trap, this film might just keep you up at night questioning your own reality. But here's where it gets controversial: with its release schedule flip-flopping like a horror movie plot twist, is Vicious destined to be a cult classic or just another forgotten gem in the streaming abyss? Stick around, because we're about to unpack all the eerie details, including exclusive interviews that reveal the minds behind the madness.
Horror Movie Interviews
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Dakota Fanning, fresh off her role in The Watchers, and Bryan Bertino, the visionary behind the iconic 2008 film The Strangers (which you can read more about in our deep dive on its wild history at https://www.joblo.com/the-strangers-2008-wtf-happened-to-this-horror-movie/), have collaborated on this spine-tingling new project titled Vicious. Produced by Paramount Pictures, the movie has had quite the rollercoaster journey in terms of its release timeline. Initially slated for a theatrical debut on August 8th, it was bumped up to February 28th, only to be yanked entirely from Paramount's lineup. Now, fans can catch it digitally and on Paramount+ starting October 10th. For those new to streaming, Paramount+ is a popular platform offering a mix of movies, TV shows, and original content, much like Netflix but with a focus on Paramount's library of hits.
To build anticipation for this digital drop, our very own Mike Holtz sat down for insightful chats with both Fanning and Bertino. You can watch those fascinating interviews right here in the embedded video above – they're a must-see for any horror enthusiast!
Holtz also got an early peek at the film during its screening at Fantastic Fest, a renowned annual event in Austin, Texas, dedicated to showcasing independent and genre films. His full review is available at THIS LINK (https://www.joblo.com/vicious-fantastic-fest-review/), where he breaks down the scares without spoilers.
Penned by Bertino himself, Vicious follows Fanning as a young woman who receives an unsettling package from a mysterious midnight caller. What starts as an odd curiosity spirals into a desperate battle for survival as she uncovers a horrifying labyrinth within the gift. For a deeper look, here's the official plot summary: Polly (played by Dakota Fanning) gets her hands on an enigmatic Box delivered by an unexpected visitor late at night, accompanied by a straightforward directive: add three items inside – something you need, something you despise, and something you cherish. This seemingly innocent act morphs into a harrowing ordeal, ensnaring Polly in a warped realm where truth distorts, recollections falter, and every decision feels insurmountable. As the clock ticks down, she must grapple with not only external terrors but also the shadows lurking within her own psyche – before they engulf her entire world and everyone in it. And this is the part most people miss: the film's exploration of inner darkness could be seen as a metaphor for personal regrets or mental health struggles, making it more than just jump scares – it's a psychological puzzle that lingers long after the credits roll.
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Fanning shares the screen with a talented ensemble, including Devyn Nekoda from Scream VI, Mary McCormack known for The West Wing, Rachel Blanchard from The Summer I Turned Pretty, Kathryn Hunter who appeared in Poor Things, Klea Scott from Millennium, and Emily Mitchell from Ordinary Angels. This diverse cast adds layers of tension and unpredictability to the story.
As an Atlas Independent production, the film was brought to life by producers Richard Suckle and Bertino, with Melinda Whitaker as executive producer alongside Shane Boucher. For beginners dipping into horror, understanding production credits like these helps appreciate how independent films often rely on passionate creators to craft unique visions outside the big studio machine.
Bertino kicked off his directing career with the 2008 slasher classic The Strangers, and he's built a solid reputation in the genre with subsequent works: 2014's Mockingbird, co-written with Sam Esmail of Mr. Robot fame; 2016's The Monster; and 2020's The Dark and the Wicked. He also crafted the original script for The Strangers: Prey at Night, though it was revised by Ben Ketai and directed by Johannes Roberts. While Bertino pours his energy into Vicious, the Strangers series marches on without him, with a new trilogy under the direction of Renny Harlin – a move that's sparked debate among fans about franchise continuity versus fresh creative voices.
Vicious carries an R rating for intense bloody violence, disturbing visuals, and strong language, so it's geared toward mature audiences who enjoy the genre's raw edge.
Are you excited to dive into Vicious? Be sure to check out our interviews with Fanning and Bertino, and then share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think the release changes hurt its potential, or could this digital-first approach make it a streaming sensation? And here's a controversial take: Is the film's focus on psychological horror a bold evolution, or does it risk alienating fans of straightforward slashers? We'd love to hear your opinions – agree, disagree, or add your own twist on what makes horror truly terrifying!
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Horror News Editor
Favorite Movies: The entire Friday the 13th series, films by Kevin Smith, George A. Romero's works (especially the original Dead trilogy), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1 & 2, Flesh Eater, Intruder, Let the Right One In, Return of the Living Dead, The Evil Dead, Jaws, Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn, Phantasm, Halloween, The Hills Have Eyes, the Back to the Future trilogy, Dazed and Confused, the James Bond franchise, Mission: Impossible, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and countless more
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