Vicious 2025 is an American horror film written and directed by Bryan Bertino. It stars Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, and Devyn Nekoda, among others.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the film.
Vicious 2025 Plot & Premise

Polly (played by Dakota Fanning) receives a mysterious box from a late-night visitor. The box comes with a chilling instruction: she must put inside it something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves.
What begins as an odd ritual quickly spirals into a waking nightmare. Reality starts to unravel. Memory blurs. Polly is trapped in psychological torment, forced into impossible choices she may not survive.
In the ending (depending on interpretation), one of the characters, Tara, holds the box and is manipulated by malevolent forces to distrust those around her, especially Polly.
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Vicious 2025 Cast & Characters




Here are the main cast members and their roles:
Actor | Role / Notes |
---|---|
Dakota Fanning | Polly, the protagonist who battles the supernatural ritual |
Kathryn Hunter | The mysterious visitor / woman connected to the box’s origin |
Mary McCormack | Polly’s mother or maternal figure |
Rachel Blanchard | Lainie, another character whose relationship with Polly is significant |
Devyn Nekoda | Tara, one of the persons tied to the box’s horrors |
Klea Scott, Emily Mitchell, Michael Abbott Jr. | Supporting roles in neighbor, relational, or supernatural contexts |
Crew highlights include:
- Cinematography by Tristan Nyby
- Music by Tom Schraeder
- Editing by Tad Dennis
- Produced by Richard Suckle (among others)
Vicious 2025 Production & Release
- Filming Location & Schedule: Principal photography took place in Ottawa, Ontario from March 22, 2024 to May 10, 2024.
- Budget & Studio: Produced by Atlas Independent and backed by Paramount’s studio distribution arm.
- World Premiere & Release:
- Premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 19, 2025
- Released on Paramount+ and digital platforms on October 10, 2025
- The film is originally slated for theatrical release (August 8, 2025) but later switched to streaming.
Style, Themes & Reception
Vicious 2025 Tone & Direction
So, Bryan Bertino (who directed The Strangers, The Dark and the Wicked) returns to horror with an emphasis on psychological dread, surrealism, and unsettling rules rather than outright gore.
His signature is visible, ordinary settings turned sinister, gradual dread over shock, emotional weight behind the horror.
Critics & Reviews
- The Guardian criticizes the film’s pacing, unclear rules around the box, and overstretched suspense. The Guardian
- Moreover, Den of Geek praises Fanning’s performance but calls out narrative weakness and a lack of satisfying resolution. Den of Geek
- Similarly, Roger Ebert notes the film echoes Bertino’s earlier work but loses narrative grip near the end. Roger Ebert
- Loud and Clear Reviews says strong acting can’t fully mask a disjointed structure and weak scares. Loud And Clear Reviews
In summary, it’s mixed. Many applaud the performances and atmosphere; some fault the storytelling choices.
How to Watch or Download Vicious 2025 Offline
For horror fans wanting to experience Vicious anytime, even without an internet connection, using reliable video downloader tools is key. Platforms like VideoDownloaderOnline.com allow users to:
- Download the full movie in high-quality MP4 format
- Extract audio (MP3) from key scenes or the soundtrack
- Safely save files without intrusive ads or malware
Streaming versions sometimes suffer from buffering or restrictions. Having an offline copy ensures you can rewatch without interruption, study the film’s visuals, or revisit haunting scenes again and again.