Key Takeaways:
– Dakota Fanning stars in Bryan Bertino’s much-anticipated horror film, ‘Vicious.’
– The supporting cast includes Devyn Nekoda, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Kathryn Hunter, Klea Scott, and Emily Mitchell.
– Scripted by Bertino, the movie’s plot centers around a cryptic gift that sends Fanning’s character into a terrifying ordeal.
– ‘Vicious’ is slated for theatrical release on August 8, 2025, by Paramount Pictures.
– Bertino is celebrated for his horror directorial successes, including ‘The Strangers’ and ‘The Dark and the Wicked.’
Paramount Pictures is set to release the much-anticipated suspense film, ‘Vicious,’ directed by Bryan Bertino and starring Dakota Fanning. Scheduled for theatrical exhibition on August 8, 2025, the movie promises a stunning display of talents both behind and in front of the camera.
Fanning is not alone in the spotlight, thanks to an impressive ensemble cast. Among those confirmed are Devyn Nekoda from ‘Scream VI,’ Mary McCormack of ‘The West Wing’ fame, Rachel Blanchard from ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ Kathryn Hunter from ‘Poor Things,’ Klea Scott known for ‘Millennium,’ and Emily Mitchell who starred in ‘Ordinary Angels.’ Their combined talents create high expectations for the movie.
The film’s script, also by Bertino, spins a sinister tale: Fanning’s character receives a mysterious gift from a late-night visitor. But this is no ordinary present. Upon unwrapping it, she plunges into an intense struggle for survival.
‘Vicious’ is an Atlas Independent production, with Richard Suckle taking on the responsibilities of a producer, and Melinda Whitaker serving as an executive producer.
Bertino may be best known for his directorial debut with 2008’s ‘The Strangers.’ He has since added more prestigious titles to his filmography. These include ‘Mockingbird’ (2014), which he scripted along with Sam Esmail, famed for creating ‘Mr. Robot,’ and ‘The Monster’ (2016). His most recent horror undertaking before ‘Vicious’ was 2020’s ‘The Dark and the Wicked.’
While the director is not involved in the ongoing ‘Strangers’ franchise, his influence remains evident. He originally penned the screenplay for ‘The Strangers: Prey at Night,’ which, after revisions by Ben Ketai, was directed by Johannes Roberts.
Meanwhile, ‘The Strangers’ franchise continues without Bertino at the helm. Director Renny Harlin recently completed a trilogy of ‘Strangers’ films, with the first, ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1,’ set for release on May 17 by Lionsgate. The following two chapters will reportedly be in theatres by year’s end. Harlin states that the films examine the consequences of random violence, particularly home invasion, and delve into the origins and motivations of such violent perpetrators.
Fans are now intrigued to see how Bryan Bertino’s ‘Vicious’ will unfold. Time will tell how the movie will fare in the high-stakes genre of horror, especially with a richly varied cast to work with.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming release? Share your expectations and movie insights in the comments below.
