Vicious is a 2025 horror film written and directed by Bryan Bertino, with Dakota Fanning carrying a story built around a mysterious box and a three-part test. Its strongest case is Fanning’s performance and the film’s atmosphere; its weakest is a plot and ending that several reviewers found frustratingly unresolved. Whether it is worth watching depends largely on how much ambiguity you will tolerate.
What is Vicious about?
Polly, played by Dakota Fanning, answers a late-night visitor who gives her a box and a disturbing instruction: put inside something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. That premise turns the film into a supernatural predicament centered on Polly and the choices the box demands. Paramount Global Content’s synopsis establishes the setup but does not explain the box’s rules or offer a tidy account of what follows.
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The cast also includes Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, and Klea Scott. Richard Suckle and Bertino are credited as producers.
Is Vicious worth watching?
It may suit viewers who want a contained, performance-led horror story and are willing to accept unanswered questions. Fanning is the main reason to watch: RogerEbert.com describes the film as largely a one-woman show and praises her committed performance. The Daily Beast also highlights her tormented portrayal and the film’s atmosphere, while noting that the story does not fully come together by the end.
#1 Best Overall
- Factory sealed DVD
The reservations are substantial. RogerEbert.com criticizes the screenplay for leaving too much unanswered. The Guardian’s October 9, 2025 review is harsher, describing the last act as bloated and incoherent. TheWrap reviewer William Bibbiani put his dissatisfaction bluntly: “Dakota Fanning deserves better than this formulaic lump of a horror film.” That is one critic’s judgment, not a settled verdict on the film.
Rotten Tomatoes’ October 7, 2026 snapshot showed a 43% Tomatometer from 42 reviews and a 34% Popcornmeter from more than 250 ratings. These are dated aggregates, not a measure of every critic or viewer, and the scores and counts can change.
Rank #2
- Consider it if: you enjoy atmosphere, intense performances, and horror stories that leave some questions open.
- Approach cautiously if: you want clearly explained supernatural rules or a cleanly resolved ending.
Where can I watch Vicious?
Paramount lists an October 10, 2025 premiere and Paramount+ as the film’s platform. Rotten Tomatoes also lists subscription streaming on Paramount+ and rental or purchase through Fandango. Those listings may vary by region and over time, so check the services available where you live.
Is Vicious connected to The Strangers?
The confirmed link is director Bryan Bertino: he is credited as the writer and director of Vicious and directed The Strangers. The sources available for these credits do not establish a shared story, franchise, or continuity. The director association is not evidence that the films take place in the same universe.
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How long is Vicious?
Published listings conflict, so there is no single runtime that can be stated confidently without attribution. Paramount lists 120 minutes; the BBFC lists 98 minutes 20 seconds; Rotten Tomatoes lists 1 hour 43 minutes; and RogerEbert.com describes it as 98 minutes. The reason for the discrepancy is not established.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What rating does it have?
Rotten Tomatoes lists an R rating in the United States for some grisly images, language, and strong bloody violence. That US listing is not a universal classification; local ratings and content advisories may differ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Factory sealed DVD
Rank #4
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