Vicious
Performance & Direction: Vicious Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Vicious (2025) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Vicious features a noteworthy lineup led by Dakota Fanning . Supported by the likes of Kathryn Hunter and Mary McCormack , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Vicious
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2025, Vicious is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Bryan Bertino. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dakota Fanning.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. When Polly receives a mysterious box, it comes with one rule: place inside something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. If she doesn’t obey, it will consume everything—and everyone—she’s ever known. Director Bryan Bertino uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Dakota Fanning's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Vicious
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Bryan Bertino, Vicious concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Dakota Fanning, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Vicious reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Vicious?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Dakota Fanning or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Top Cast: Vicious
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Vicious Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoVicious Parents Guide & Age Rating
2025 AdvisoryWondering about Vicious age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Vicious is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Vicious is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2025 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vicious worth watching?
Vicious is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Vicious parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Vicious identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Vicious?
The total duration of Vicious is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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How Vicious Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Vicious
Starts almost immediately with the creepiness, and talk about a serious moment for our main character. Uneasy words have been spoken between our characters, and now it appears to be that the threats have some validity to them. This is sufficiently creepy, and I love this film barely 30 minutes in so far. The cruelty and mind games are plenty in this film, with painful memories once hidden being brought into the light once again. The emotional brutality of this film is matched by physical brutality. The film has made itself my new Dakota Fanning project.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
