Get ready for a chilling exploration of a director's mind and the secrets behind a haunting horror movie!
The Terrifying Truth Behind Vicious
In a recent interview, director Bryan Bertino, known for his work on the iconic horror film The Strangers, has unveiled the intricate layers of his latest creation, Vicious. This 2025 horror masterpiece takes viewers on a journey through the depths of fear and survival, leaving audiences with more questions than answers.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Vicious follows the harrowing tale of Polly (Dakota Fanning), who finds herself entangled in a web of terror after receiving a mysterious box. The film's ending, a blend of hope and horror, leaves us wondering: Is this truly the end of her ordeal, or just the beginning of something even more sinister?
When Bertino sat down with Polygon at the 2025 Fantastic Fest, he revealed his intentions and the deeper meaning behind this chilling narrative.
[SPOILER ALERT: Details about the ending of Vicious ahead!]
Bertino's focus is on the relentless torture Polly endures at the hands of an unseen, malevolent force. This force, represented by the box, commands her to sacrifice her life and sanity, pushing her to the brink. As the story unfolds, we learn that giving the box to another doesn't free Polly from its grasp, and the demands continue unabated.
And this is the part most people miss...
Polly discovers that ignoring the force's phone calls is a form of empowerment. By refusing to be afraid, she gains a sense of control. But is this truly a happy ending? Bertino suggests otherwise.
"While some may see a glimmer of hope, the reality is that you can't escape your demons. You just have to keep fighting," he told Polygon.
The director's personal struggles with anxiety inspired this narrative. He explains, "I wanted to create a character bombarded by these sensations, much like I experienced during my panic attacks. It's a way to capture that raw, overwhelming feeling."
As the film progresses, Polly's growth is evident, but the sense of unresolved trials lingers. Bertino intended to mirror the relentless nature of anxiety, a battle that rarely offers a definitive victory.
"Polly, like many of us, is forever changed by her trauma. She's won a battle, but life goes on, and so do the challenges."
But there's more to this story...
In a heart-wrenching scene, Polly attempts to retrieve the box from Tara (Devyn Nekoda), taking responsibility for the evil she's unleashed. Tara, however, denies knowledge, and the truth is revealed: she's murdered her parents on the box's orders, a chilling reminder of the power it wields.
"Tara is trapped in her own nightmare, a reminder that we can't always save those we care about from their battles," Bertino shared.
The film's final shots echo the influential Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a classic slasher film. Bertino draws a parallel between the survivors of both stories, highlighting the cost of survival and the enduring impact of trauma.
"Polly, like Sally in Texas Chain Saw, has won, but at what cost? Life moves on, and so must we."
Vicious is now available on Paramount Plus and digital platforms, inviting you to explore the depths of fear and the resilience of the human spirit.
So, what do you think? Is Vicious a powerful exploration of anxiety and trauma, or does it fall short of its ambitious goals? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
