Vicious

After one of my Top Five favorite actresses, Dakota “DF” Fanning finished filming her scenes for “The Watchers,” she worked on another Horror movie, “Vicious.” This time it’s directed by the guy who created “The Strangers.” Vicious centers on a young woman named, Polly who lets a stranger in her house. Not kidding, only someone with the IQ of I.R. Baboon (from I Am Weasel) would let a random person in a house. The stranger gives her a mysterious box. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose when the box begins to toy with Polly.

Originally slated for a theatrical release, Paramount Pictures in August 2025, the studio removed it. So, they moved it to October 10 streaming exclusively on Paramount Plus. Anyway, I’m watching and reviewing Horror movies throughout October. Get into the Halloween spirit. By the way, Dakota and her sister, Elle will finally collaborate together in “The Nighingale.” It’ll be released sometime around 2027.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. Vicious is not a really good Horror movie.

Lifted & Cursed Aspects

Lifted: Dakota “DF” Fanning did a solid job for her performance.

Fun Fact: Wanna know who my Top 5 favorite actresses are? They’re listed below.

Sarah Paulson (favorite TV actress)
Natalie Portman (favorite movie actress)
Scarlett Johansson
Emma Stone
Dakota Fanning

The concept of putting three things in a mystical box based on confronting your past was interesting.

Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.

Only two good scene kept me on the edge of my seat. Polly cuts one of her toes and fingers off in order to put them inside the box before hour glass expires. You can tell DF has great acting chops. I’ll give Ms. Fanning the benefit of the doubt. Give her a couple of Bonus Points.

Bryan Bertino didn’t do a good job writing and directing.

Scare Factor lacked terror. Repeats the same schtick. When something intense happens to Polly, it immediately stops. The equivalent of erectile dysfunction. Like any guy struggling to wake up “Mr. Johnson.”

Polly’s a nincompoop for inviting a stranger. Why didn’t she tell her to get lost from the get-go instead of letting the old lady in? Dumbest excuse to kickstart the plot. I can’t believe I’m borrowing a quote from R. Kelly, “That’s stupid, use your common sense!” I’m sorry, but I had to get this off my chest.

I couldn’t take the stranger seriously. Why? Because she sounds like Anna Faris in “The House Bunny” using a demonic voice to remember people’s names. Cue, Kat Dennings’ line, “Wow, you hired The Exorcist that’s great!”

Polly’s phone often repeats a song. Wait a tic? It’s a rip-off of “1408!” The alarm plays The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun.” The Triple Dent gum jingle from “Inside Out” felt compelling. Heck, King Ramses’ song in “Courage the Cowardly Dog” is more unique! For those who don’t know, it’s from the classic episode, “King Ramses’ Curse.”

How did Polly survive? Stops playing with the box’s sorcery. Absolutely ridiculous! That’s like winning a million dollar question on “Who’s Wants to be a Millionaire” without choosing an answer! I want a refund of my spare time! Cost me an hour-and-a-half! If it weren’t for Polly letting a stranger in her home, she done it easier. In his stand-up routine in “Delirious,” Eddie Murphy used his brain to escape a haunted house after watching “The Amityville Horror” & “Poltergeist.” I can’t believe I’m doing this to a Dakota Fanning movie, I have no choice, but to Triple Down Points. This movie insulted my intelligence. Now I understand why Paramount removed it from its theatrical release. Otherwise, they’ll lose some dough.

The Final Verdict: F, FOR FAKER!

This is the second time Dakota “DF” Fanning couldn’t save a Horror movie since The Watchers. Vicious is one of the worst movies I’ve seen in 2025 along with Stephen King’s “The Monkey,” “Rachel Zegler’s “Snow White” & “Captain America: Brave New World.” Do not waste your spare time on Vicious. It’s not worth it. Watch “Sinners” instead. Definitely a “Movie of the Year” contender.