Dakota Fanning's Supernatural Thriller 'Vicious' Lands Mixed Reviews Ahead of Paramount+ Debut

Bryan Bertino's latest horror offering, "Vicious," starring Dakota Fanning, is generating early critical buzz, leading up to its streaming premiere this October.

Paramount's new supernatural thriller, "Vicious," is now hitting streaming platforms, but its early critical reception has been a mixed bag. The film, which features Dakota Fanning in a central role, is set to debut on Paramount+ and other digital services on October 10.

Directed by Bryan Bertino, known for "The Strangers," the movie enters the horror landscape with a 41% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 17 compiled reviews. While a "green splat" indicates generally negative reviews, there's still a chance for its score to shift as more critics weigh in.

Initially, "Vicious" had a bumpy road to release. The film was first slated for a theatrical run in August, then moved to February 28, before shifting again to a premiere at Fantastic Fest. Ultimately, Paramount decided on a direct-to-streaming and digital release, bypassing cinemas altogether.

The film's official synopsis teases a terrifying premise: Polly, played by Fanning, receives a mysterious box with a simple, unsettling instruction. She must place three things inside: something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. This strange ritual quickly escalates into a waking nightmare, trapping Polly in a world where reality and memory become dangerously distorted. She is forced to confront deep internal darkness before it consumes everything she holds dear.

Exploring Bryan Bertino's Signature Style in 'Vicious'

Director Bryan Bertino has carved a niche in the horror genre with his distinctive approach to dread and home invasion narratives. His 2008 breakout, "The Strangers," became an instant classic, lauded for its suffocating tension and the chillingly simple motivation of its masked antagonists.

"Vicious" revisits many of Bertino's signature elements, including the concept of an unwelcome visitor and a late-night disruption. His command of tone, pacing, and suggestive visual storytelling remains evident, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere for the protagonist.

However, critics note that "Vicious" attempts to recapture the raw effectiveness of his earlier work, like "The Strangers" and "The Dark and the Wicked," but with varying degrees of success. While some reviewers, such as Dread Central, praised the film for packing "the classic Bertino punch," others felt it didn't quite live up to the expectations set by his stronger entries.

Bertino's filmography often explores themes of isolation and psychological torment, which are clearly at play in "Vicious." The contained setting and the protagonist's internal struggle align perfectly with his previous successes, making the film a natural fit for fans of his style, even if the execution sparked debate.

Dakota Fanning Delivers an Emotionally Charged Lead Performance

Amidst the divided critical opinions on "Vicious," one element consistently receives high praise: Dakota Fanning's performance as Polly. Reviewers across the board have highlighted her intense and compelling portrayal, often calling it the film's strongest asset.

Fanning's character, Polly, is a woman struggling to get her life on track, residing alone in a family-owned home. Her journey into a nightmarish ordeal, forced to make impossible choices, is depicted with raw emotion and unwavering commitment.

The actress herself described the filming experience as challenging, requiring her to be at "a level 10 the whole time" with "a lot of crying and a lot of screaming." She expressed newfound respect for horror actors, calling the genre "hard work" due to its intense emotional and physical demands.

Fanning's ability to radiate instability and portray Polly's descent into an unhinged state captivated many critics. Her performance is seen as a "superlative" and "incredible" effort, carrying much of the film's weight as she navigates the terrifying events, often alone on screen. This marks another strong genre outing for Fanning, following her role in last year's "The Watchers."

The Mysterious Box: An Intriguing Premise Meets Critical Scrutiny

The core concept of "Vicious," centered around a mysterious box and a set of ritualistic rules, presents an inherently intriguing horror premise. Polly's task, to place something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves into the box, immediately raises psychological and moral questions.

Critics noted the conceptual similarities to works like Richard Matheson's short story "Button, Button" and its film adaptation, "The Box." This kind of setup promises a deep dive into human nature, sacrifice, and the consequences of impossible choices.

However, while the premise was widely praised for its potential, many reviewers found that "Vicious" struggled to deliver on that promise, especially in its later acts. Common criticisms pointed to the film's ending, which some described as "muddled" or "incoherent."

Reviewers felt the film "squandered a promising premise by losing sight of the rules it establishes early on." The lack of clear answers regarding the box's powers, the threat's origin, and the penalties for failure left some audience members and critics feeling "unmoored" and confused, detracting from the initial compelling setup.

Critical Reception: Highlighting Strengths and Pointing Out Weaknesses

The critical landscape for "Vicious" is clearly divided, showcasing strong points and significant areas of concern for various reviewers. On the positive side, the film received commendation for its ability to deliver frights and establish a genuinely creepy atmosphere.

"Bloody Disgusting" declared that the film "delivers on frights," appreciating its horror elements. Several reviews acknowledged Bertino's skill in conjuring atmosphere and utilizing darkness effectively, creating a sense of dread that is a hallmark of his best work. The sound design, led by Chuck Michael, also garnered particular praise, with one reviewer noting it as "audibly unnerving" and urging viewers to use headphones for the full effect.

Beyond the technical aspects and scares, Dakota Fanning's performance was a unanimous high point, consistently singled out for its intensity and emotional depth. Kathryn Hunter's "unsettling" portrayal of the mysterious older woman who delivers the box also received positive mentions, contributing to the film's eerie tone.

Despite these strengths, the majority of critics found significant flaws. The film's ending was frequently cited as a major problem, with sentiments ranging from "anticlimactic" to "incoherent." Critics felt the script failed to resolve the story in a satisfying or even coherent manner, losing track of the rules it initially established.

Other criticisms included a lack of consistent suspense, the film being "shallow and thematically fuzzy," and issues with pacing, particularly a "slow build" that felt "too slow" for some. The compromises in the narrative, especially in the third act, were seen as "glaring," preventing "Vicious" from reaching its full potential despite its promising start.

A Shifting Release Journey: From Theatrical Hopes to Streaming Reality

The journey of "Vicious" to audiences has been a winding one, reflecting the evolving landscape of film distribution. Initially, Paramount had ambitious plans for a theatrical release, with the film penciled in for an August debut in cinemas.

This date was subsequently shifted to February 28, indicating a change in strategy or perhaps a response to internal considerations. The plans changed once more, with the decision to pull the theatrical release and instead premiere the film at Fantastic Fest, a respected genre film festival known for showcasing horror and fantasy titles.

Ultimately, Paramount chose to forgo a wide theatrical run entirely, opting instead for a premiere on its streaming service, Paramount+, and digital platforms starting October 10. This move, while disappointing for those who appreciate the big-screen horror experience, makes the film immediately accessible to a broad audience.

The shift to streaming can sometimes cast a pall over a film, implying a lack of confidence from the studio. However, despite the mixed reviews, some critics suggest that the film's 41% Rotten Tomatoes score is "not terrible" and that "Vicious" could still prove to be a "solid movie to watch at home."

Optimizing Your 'Vicious' Viewing Experience at Home

Given the film's move to streaming, director Bryan Bertino offered specific advice for viewers looking to get the most out of their "Vicious" experience from the comfort of their homes. He emphasized the importance of sound design, which he and his team, led by Chuck Michael, meticulously crafted to be deeply immersive and unnerving.

Bertino recommended, "turn it up as much as you can, or if you're watching on your computer, put on some headphones." He explained that the film is "meant to try to bombard you," and leaning into that aural intensity will allow viewers to grasp "the original inspiration."

This recommendation is particularly insightful because "Vicious" is lauded for its "audibly unnerving" qualities, where every subtle creak, whisper, or ominous sound contributes significantly to the dread. Whether it's the subtle sounds of floorboards, the shifting sands in an hourglass, or the flick of a cigarette lighter, the film's soundscape is designed to envelop the viewer.

For fans with a Paramount+ subscription, this means preparing for a truly immersive horror experience. Using quality headphones can elevate the psychological tension, allowing the intricate sound design to fully draw you into Polly's terrifying ordeal. It ensures that the scares and the oppressive atmosphere Bertino intended are felt keenly, even without a cinema's surround sound system.

'Vicious' Set for Halloween Season Release

With its October 10 streaming release date, "Vicious" arrives just in time for the peak spooky season, making it a timely addition to many viewers' Halloween watch lists. Despite its critical divisiveness, the film's strong performances and effective scares could still make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts.

The film joins a crowded field of horror offerings this time of year, but its unique premise and Bertino's directorial style give it a distinct flavor. The move to Paramount+ ensures easy access for subscribers, allowing them to experience Dakota Fanning's acclaimed performance and the film's intense sound design without leaving home.

Ultimately, while "Vicious" may not be a universally praised masterpiece, its dedicated lead performance and moments of genuine terror suggest it could find its audience among those seeking a new, psychologically driven horror story during the Halloween festivities.

Vicious: Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Release Date	October 10, 2025
Streaming Platform	Paramount+, Digital Platforms
Runtime	98 minutes
Director	Bryan Bertino
Writer	Bryan Bertino
Rating	R (strong bloody violence, some grisly images, language)
Cast	Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, Klea Scott, Emily Mitchell

As "Vicious" makes its streaming debut, it presents a compelling case study in modern horror filmmaking and distribution. Whether you're a devoted fan of Bryan Bertino's atmospheric terror or simply curious to see Dakota Fanning's latest intense performance, it's a film designed for a specific kind of unsettling experience.

Gather your headphones, dim the lights, and prepare for a journey into Polly's terrifying night. The debate over its coherence might continue, but its ability to provoke a reaction and deliver unsettling moments seems undisputed.