Vicious

Movie Name: Vicious
Year of Release: 2025
Director: Bryan Bertino
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, Drew Moore, Klea Scott
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 3
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Synopsis and Review

Bryan Bertino made a name for himself with the original "The Strangers", which started a franchise of its own, with the most recent chapters of that same franchise being directed by Renny Harlin (of "Die Hard 2", "Cutthroat Island", and "The Long Kiss Goodnight" fame). "Vicious" focuses on the story of Polly, a young woman who lives by herself in a large house. One evening she hears a knock on the door and sees a rather older and frail woman standing with a box. She invites her in. The older woman thanks her for the gesture and kindness, however soon enough she says to Polly that she's going to die that evening. She does forewarn her that the box has instructions, and if she follows them, she may avoid her demise. But essentially the woman tells her that she has to place three things inside the box: something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. As the woman leaves, Polly is incredulous about what just took place, but odd things quickly start occurring, leading her to go on a path to play the game. Most of all Polly wants to avoid something happening to her sister and niece.

You may be tempted to think based on the description of the film that this has some nods to Richard Kelly's adaptation of Richard Matheson's "The Box", however this film goes in a very different direction than the Cameron Diaz and James Marsden's feature. "Vicious" briefly introduces us to Polly, who apparently is going through some issues, both personal and professional, something we never get much of an understanding of, which explains her rather stressed out and anxious behavior. As Kathryn Hunter's character comes into play, and drops the malevolent object, similar for instance to "The Ring"'s videotape, the film then opens the door to this supernatural aspect that is never explained nor clarified. It simply is there, with its demands, which as the film progresses, includes self-mutilation and sacrifice. Whereas some of the films featuring these types of objects always surrender some clarification on what's behind their intent, and why that character has been chosen, this one leaves all those aspects in the open, leading to question if all this is happening on Polly's tortured mind, or is it for real. Sadly the film also doesn't really operate in that ambiguity, it is very literal in its quest to illustrate the challenges the lead character has to fulfill in order not to meet her demise. It's a film that doesn't make much sense from a storytelling perspective, but that is able to conjure up a dark and menacing environment in which the lead character exists. Dakota Fanning tries her best to bring the character to life, but her performance lacks authenticity, urgency, or even fear. Kathryn Hunter is far more successful in her brief moments in the film, as is Devyn Nekoda as the following prey to the viral menace that is being spread around. The production team of the film is solid, particularly Tristan Nyby's cinematography and Jennifer Spence's production design. Sadly it's a forgettable endeavor for everyone involved.