One of the easiest pop culture equations, at least in my head, goes like this: Halloween + horror movies = a damn fine time, and doubly so when enjoying those movies alongside like-minded genre buffs inside a movie theater. Thus, it is indeed unfortunate that Paramount shifted Dakota Fanning’s upcoming horror movie, the mystery-box nightmare Vicious, from its theatrical release in order to make exclusive for those with Paramount+ subscriptions. But at least it means fans everywhere will be able to watch with immediacy, and there’s an ideal way to experience it as well.
Vicious Quick Facts
Director: Bryan Bertino
Writer: Bryan Bertino
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Katrhryn Hunter, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, Mary McCormack
Runtime: 98 mins.
Rating: R for strong bloody violence, some grisly images, and language.
Review: Read our Vicious review here!
Vicious is the kind of movie that’s best viewed without really knowing anything about it, but one thing everyone should be aware of is that director Bryan Bertino and the film’s sound design team (headed up by Chuck Michael) put a ton of work into making this one of the most sound-intensive horror movies out there. Literally everything sounds as if it’s engulfed in microphones, from floorboards to hourglass sand to cigarette lighters to [SPOILERS]. (Not gonna get that one out of me!)
2025 movie schedule thus far, but I don’t think there can possibly be anyone who walks away from it saying, “Well that sounded like crap, and Dakota Fanning doesn’t show any emotion.” Both of those sentiments are patently false, and Fanning’s performance here is a cut above her genre-embracing work in 2024’s The Watchers. Not to mention the unsettling performance by Kathryn Hunter, who legitimately seems like she was pulled off of the street for the role.
Given those factors, as well as its checklist of fun and imaginative horror gimmicks and stunts, I think Vicious will sit comfortably among some of the best horror movies currently streaming on Paramount+, even if it won’t necessarily overtake any of them. Just heed Bertino’s advice and grab those headphones!
Vicious will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting on Friday, October 10.