Hollywood is no stranger to horror films that fail to live up to their potential. The latest example is Dakota Fanning’s “Vicious,” a movie that aimed to resonate with audiences but ultimately fell flat. Released by a major studio, it missed its planned summer debut and is now set for a release on Paramount+, likely to get lost among Halloween streaming options.
Vicious: A Missed Opportunity
“Vicious” features Dakota Fanning as Polly, a woman navigating her late twenties while grappling with her life choices. Living alone in a family home that exceeds her means, Polly faces challenges that many can identify with. The plot takes a dark turn when a mysterious older woman, portrayed by Kathryn Hunter, knocks on her door and presents her with an ominous box.
The Premise and Execution
The film’s premise offers an intriguing yet unsettling challenge: to survive the night, Polly must give the box something she loves, something she hates, and something she needs. This setup raises significant questions, but unfortunately, director Bryan Bertino struggles to provide satisfying answers.
- Character Development: Polly is introduced as a stereotypical “lost” character, complete with tattoos and an affinity for ice cream.
- A Lack of Pacing: “Vicious” suffers from slow pacing, leading to moments of disinterest before the horror begins.
- Atmospheric Tension: While Bertino is adept at building a creepy atmosphere, the film lacks the suspense to truly engage viewers.
Comparative Analysis
Unlike other popular horror films like “Drag Me to Hell” or “The Ring,” “Vicious” fails to create an emotional connection with its audience. The narrative is loosely constructed, leading to confusion regarding the source of the threat and the implications of Polly’s actions. The film’s gore may elicit momentary reactions, but it’s insufficient to offset its narrative shortcomings.
Final Thoughts
At 98 minutes, “Vicious” feels longer than it is due to its anticlimactic finale. The film suffers from a lack of coherence, with a culmination that fails to deliver satisfying resolutions. Fanning puts forth a committed performance, but it isn’t enough to redeem the film’s overall execution. Bertino, having previously demonstrated skill in the horror genre, misses the mark with this project, leaving critics and fans yearning for something more original and engaging than “Vicious.”
