Get ready for a thrilling ride into the world of fear! Dakota Fanning, known for her captivating performances, joins forces with Bryan Bertino, the visionary director behind the iconic horror film "The Strangers," for their latest chilling project titled "Vicious." This eagerly awaited horror film is set for release through Paramount Pictures, but it has experienced quite a bit of turbulence in its schedule. Initially slated for an August 8 launch, the film was then pushed to February 28, only to be removed entirely from Paramount's release calendar for a time. However, fans can now look forward to its digital and Paramount+ streaming debut on October 10. To build excitement ahead of this launch, Mike Holtz from JoBlo had the opportunity to interview both Fanning and Bertino, and you can catch those insightful discussions in the video embedded above.
Holtz also experienced the film firsthand during its screening at Fantastic Fest, where he penned a thorough review available at THIS LINK.
Written by Bertino himself, "Vicious" features Dakota Fanning as Polly, a young woman who receives an enigmatic gift from an unexpected visitor during the night. This peculiar present leads her down a frightening path, revealing that she must fight for her survival as she dives into the dark and twisted layers of the gift. The premise unfolds as follows: after Polly receives a cryptic box, she is instructed to insert three items: something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. What starts off as a bizarre ritual spirals into a living nightmare. As reality starts to warp and memories seem to betray her, Polly is faced with a series of agonizing choices. The clock is ticking, and she must confront not just the malevolence lurking outside but the darkness within herself as well, all before it obliterates everything and everyone she has ever loved.
The cast includes notable performers such as Devyn Nekoda from "Scream VI," Mary McCormack from "The West Wing," Rachel Blanchard from "The Summer I Turned Pretty," Kathryn Hunter from "Poor Things," Klea Scott, and Emily Mitchell from "Ordinary Angels."
Produced by Atlas Independent, "Vicious" has Richard Suckle and Bertino in the producer roles, with Melinda Whitaker and Shane Boucher contributing as executive producers. Bertino made his directorial debut with the 2008 horror hit "The Strangers" and has since expanded his filmography with other horror projects such as "Mockingbird" (2014)—which he co-wrote with Sam Esmail, the creator of "Mr. Robot"—and films like "The Monster" (2016) and "The Dark and the Wicked" (2020). While he wrote the original screenplay for "The Strangers: Prey at Night," that film underwent some changes and was directed by Johannes Roberts. As Bertino focuses on "Vicious," the "Strangers" franchise is forging ahead with its own trilogy, currently led by director Renny Harlin.
"Vicious" has received an R rating due to its graphic bloody violence, unsettling visuals, and strong language, all of which contribute to its harrowing atmosphere.
Are you eagerly awaiting "Vicious"? Take a moment to watch our interviews with Dakota Fanning and Bryan Bertino, then share your thoughts in the comments below! We want to know: what do you think makes a horror movie truly terrifying? Could it be the psychological elements, the visuals, or perhaps the characters' depth? Join the conversation!
About the Author
As the Horror News Editor, I am truly passionate about films. My personal favorites include the entire "Friday the 13th" series, the quirky films of Kevin Smith, and the masterpieces of George A. Romero—especially his groundbreaking Dead trilogy. I also hold a fondness for the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (both parts), along with a wide array of classics such as "FleshEater" and "The Evil Dead." My love for cinema extends to various genres, including the stunts of James Bond and the epic narratives of Marvel Comics. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss horror films, animated movies, or simply want to swap recommendations!
