Vicious: Dakota Fanning returns to star in a horror film

Vicious is an upcoming psychological horror movie directed and written by Bryan Bertino, which promises a highly elaborate story. The film stars Dakota Fanning, alongside Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, and Devyn Nekoda. It is produced by Richard Suckle and is set to be distributed by Paramount+.

The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in September 2025, followed by a release on Paramount+ on October 10, 2025. Initially, it was slated for a theatrical release on August 8, 2025, but this was later changed to the streaming platform due to scheduling adjustments.

The story revolves around a character named Polly, portrayed by Dakota Fanning. She receives a mysterious gift from a late-night visitor, which leads her into a nightmarish scenario where she must fight for her survival as she navigates a distorted reality. This premise hints at a psychological horror experience, characteristic of Bertino's style.

What to expect

The narrative suggests that the protagonist, Polly, will experience a sense of isolation as she navigates a distorted reality. This theme is common in psychological horror, where characters often find themselves trapped in situations that heighten their feelings of loneliness and helplessness. The impact of being cut off from the outside world can amplify fear and anxiety, making the audience empathize with the character's plight.

The film's focus on survival suggests that Polly will confront past traumas or fears as she fights for her existence. This struggle can manifest in various ways, such as hallucinations or distorted perceptions of reality, which can create a chilling atmosphere.

The concept of the uncanny—where familiar settings or objects become unsettling—will likely play an important role in Vicious. The mysterious gift that leads Polly down a "disturbing rabbit hole" suggests that her perception of reality will be challenged, leading to confusion and dread. This element can evoke feelings of paranoia and fear, as the character grapples with what is real and what is not.

Given the horror genre's tendency to explore themes of control and manipulation, Vicious may feature elements where the protagonist is psychologically manipulated by external forces, possibly linked to the mysterious gift. This manipulation can create a sense of helplessness, as the character struggles to maintain her autonomy in a threatening environment.

The fear of the unknown is a fundamental aspect of psychological horror. As Polly encounters the bizarre and potentially dangerous consequences of the gift, her fear will likely stem from uncertainty about what lies ahead. This theme can resonate deeply with audiences, tapping into universal fears about the unpredictable nature of life and the hidden dangers that may lurk in seemingly innocuous situations.

A challenging role for Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning returns to the horror genre, where she has always excelled. Playing Polly represents a great opportunity for her to develop a complex character with interesting facets.

The journey through trauma can lead to transformation, where characters emerge stronger or more self-aware. For Polly, the experience of fighting for her life may catalyze a transformation that allows her to reclaim her agency and confront her fears head-on. This evolution can be a powerful aspect of her character arc, showcasing resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

As Polly faces external threats, her problem may manifest as internal confusions, leading her to confront her own demons. This exploration can reveal deeper layers of her character, showcasing how past experiences shape her reactions and decisions in the present. The psychological horror elements of the film may amplify these conflicts, creating a rich narrative that delves into her psyche.

Initially, Polly might resort to denial as a way to cope with the overwhelming nature of her trauma. This could manifest as ignoring the reality of her situation or downplaying the severity of the threats she faces. Avoidance behaviors, such as distancing herself from reminders of her trauma or avoiding discussions about her feelings, may also be prevalent as she tries to shield herself from emotional pain.

As the story progresses, Polly may begin to exhibit resilience, adapting to her circumstances and finding ways to cope more effectively. This could involve developing problem-solving skills, seeking support from others, or finding meaning in her experiences. Such adaptive coping strategies can facilitate her growth and recovery as she confronts her trauma head-on.