In the realm of psychological horror, filmmaker Bryan Bertino has carved a niche with tales of unease and psychological torment. His latest venture, “Vicious,” continues this tradition as Dakota Fanning leads a chilling dive into the abyss of mental instability and pervasive dread. In a film characterized by starkness and a raw approach to fear, “Vicious” aims to unsettle its audience but ultimately risks wearing thin due to its relentless intensity.
An Unsettling Premise
Bertino, known for his hard-hitting horror narratives, presents a minimalist setup in “Vicious,” where a young woman named Polly, played by Dakota Fanning, is trapped in the throes of terrifying hallucinations. Unlike many horror stories that delve into backstory and motivation, Bertino opts out of providing explanations for Polly’s torment, creating a bare-bones approach that leaves audiences grasping for understanding.
Dakota Fanning’s Performance
Fanning’s portrayal of Polly holds the piece together with haunting intensity. From the opening scene, bathed in ominous red light alongside a somber monologue, Fanning captures a potent sense of despair. The film follows Polly’s isolated journey as she navigates a season of psychological unrest, with the chilling atmosphere enhanced by Bertino’s unwavering focus on her unraveling state of mind.
The Mystery of the Box
The narrative escalates when a mysterious box arrives, delivered by a raspy old woman played by Kathryn Hunter. With its eerie stipulations—requiring Polly to sacrifice parts of her life tied to love, need, and hate—the box becomes a catalyst for Polly’s descent. This plot device, while intriguing, leads to predictable horror tropes that might feel familiar to seasoned viewers despite its atmospheric strength.
The Isolation of Fear
Polly’s dwindling connections are vividly portrayed through disturbing encounters with both strangers and familiar faces. Bertino skillfully keeps much of Polly’s past in the shadows, ensuring that the audience shares her isolation. One particularly evocative moment involves a phone call with Polly’s mother, which turns sinister as the voice morphs into something malevolent—a testament to Bertino’s ability to conjure dread from everyday interactions.
However, the film struggles to maintain momentum. While Fanning delivers a committed performance, the constant barrage of scares fails to evolve, leaving the narrative feeling repetitive and aimless. Although “Vicious” attempts to intensify Polly’s internal struggles, it falters by not crafting a cohesive journey through her psychological labyrinth.
Now available on Paramount+, “Vicious” presents a gritty exploration of psychological horror that embraces Bertino’s classic themes of isolation and fear, yet it yearns for a more nuanced execution to support its chilling premise.
