At Fantastic Fest, AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen sat down with director Bryan Bertino to discuss his chilling new horror film, VICIOUS, a psychological descent starring Dakota Fanning. The film follows Polly (Fanning), who receives a mysterious box from a late-night visitor (Kathryn Hunter) with cryptic instructions: place three items inside—something you need, something you hate, and something you love. What starts as a peculiar ritual spirals into a nightmarish reality where Polly must confront impossible choices and a darkness that threatens to consume her. In this exclusive interview, Bertino shares insights on crafting terror, working with Fanning, and his own “Hail Mary” moment that launched his career.
A New Nightmare Unleashed
“It’s always a kind of strange moment where you release your baby into the world, and then it takes on a life of its own,” Bertino said, reflecting on the premiere of VICIOUS at Fantastic Fest. Known for his ability to unsettle audiences—most notably with his 2008 breakout hit The Strangers—Bertino revels in the visceral reactions his films provoke. “It’s cool to see people actually scream,” he admitted, noting the challenge of capturing attention in today’s media-saturated world. “Making anything that anybody feels something is getting so much more difficult.”
VICIOUS delivers that emotional punch, blending psychological horror with a relentless sense of dread. The film’s premise, centered on a mysterious box and its haunting consequences, keeps audiences on edge as Polly navigates a reality where memory and truth unravel. For Bertino, watching audiences squirm is a testament to the film’s power. “You’ve unlocked more fears for us,” Salfen noted, praising Bertino’s knack for crafting terror.
Dakota Fanning: The Heart of VICIOUS
At the core of VICIOUS is Dakota Fanning’s tour-de-force performance as Polly. “She literally carries the movie,” Bertino emphasized, noting that Fanning appears in nearly every scene. Her ability to anchor the film’s intense, single-character focus is remarkable. “People often forget that they’re watching a movie that’s just one person for 90% of it,” he said. “All of that is because she is so fantastic and easy to work with, bringing so much to each little moment.”
Fanning’s role in VICIOUS marks a departure from her previous work, showcasing her versatility in a genre that demands both vulnerability and resilience. “I really want people to take away how amazing Dakota Fanning is,” Bertino said. “This is such a different role for her, and I could never have made this movie without her.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For the aspiring filmmakers in the Fantastic Fest audience, Bertino offered grounded advice rooted in his own journey. “I didn’t have a lot of training as a director,” he admitted. “For me, it was always about finding a story and sticking with it, trying to believe in it, and figuring out a way to communicate it as much as I could on screen.” His persistence paid off, and he encouraged others to stay committed to their vision, no matter the obstacles.
A “Hail Mary” Moment That Changed Everything
Bertino’s path to success wasn’t paved with ease. In a candid moment, he shared his career-defining “Hail Mary” moment with Salfen, who referenced the 50th anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys’ iconic play. “I had very little money growing up and when I moved to Hollywood,” Bertino recalled. With no bank account and dwindling resources, he scraped together $180 to enter three scripts into a film festival contest. One of those scripts, The Strangers, landed in the top quarter, earning him a manager and changing his life “overnight.”
“That was the Hail Mary,” he said. “I was running out of time and certainly running out of money and took what little I had and said, ‘Screw it, I’m going to give it a shot.’”
Beyond the Scares: What VICIOUS Leaves Behind
While VICIOUS delivers bone-chilling thrills, Bertino hopes audiences take away more than just a scare. The film’s exploration of impossible choices and inner darkness offers a deeper resonance. “There’s something to take away from this besides ‘Oh, that was fun,’” Salfen noted, prompting Bertino to reflect on the film’s impact. Above all, he wants Fanning’s performance to shine as the heart of the experience. “I really want her performance to be the key takeaway,” he reiterated.
Final Thoughts
VICIOUS is a testament to Bertino’s skill in crafting horror that lingers, both in its scares and its emotional weight. With Dakota Fanning’s commanding performance and a premise that twists reality into a waking nightmare, the film is poised to leave audiences rattled and reflective. “Check it out,” Salfen urged, and with Bertino’s track record, it’s a safe bet that VICIOUS will deliver the kind of genre experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
For more on VICIOUS and Bryan Bertino’s work, stay tuned to AMFM Magazine for the latest in film and entertainment.
