Dakota Fanning Shines in High-Octane Horror 'Vicious'

Dakota Fanning, the versatile actor, has delivered yet another masterclass in horror through her latest project, 'Vicious.' Coming as a successor to 2024's famed 'The Watchers,' this chilling piece, set primarily in a limited location, staggers the viewers with its intricate blend of terror, gore, and emotional suspense.

Premiered globally during the twentieth anniversary of the Fantastic Fest, 'Vicious' is helmed by Bryan Bertino, whose exceptional directorial work, particularly in the horror genre, is commendable. While his storytelling occasionally lags behind his directing prowess, his use of tantalizing horror elements captivates the audience immensely throughout 'Vicious.'

In the movie, Fanning's character, a tattooed woman named Polly, grapples with her past and present adversities. However, when a mysterious old woman appears on her doorstep bearing a curious wooden box, Polly's life takes a sinister turn. The box ensnares its owner with a dreadful curse, enforced by an elaborate set of rules and an hourglass.

The film's audioscape uniquely enhances the viewers' immersion. The film captures every element of the terror-filled atmosphere: from daily sounds like unlocking doors and ringing phones to disturbing audios of screams and slams. This creates an impactful, nerve-wracking and immersive experience. But the decision by Paramount Pictures to premiere it on Paramount+ instead of a theatrical release might strip the majority of the home audience of this stunningly terrifying audioscape experience.

In 'Vicious', Fanning brings an absorbing dimensionality to her character, blurring the lines between fear and empathy. She excellently portrays the emotional nuances of Polly deeply affected by the terrifying events. With a ton of horror tricks and tropes deployed by Bertino, the film provides a nerve-racking yet exciting experience, worthy of every horror fanatic's attention.

The story, however, might leave the audience with some questions. There are times when Polly's actions seem irrational, distracting the viewers from fully immersing in the seeming horror. Overall, 'Vicious' offers thrilling horror elements and suspenseful jolts, and despite a few narrative hitches, it's an exciting, scream-inducing ride, especially with Fanning's stellar performance leading the way.