Vicious Director Bryan Bertino Reveals the Hidden Meaning Behind the Movie’s Rules

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In the new movie *Vicious*, Dakota Fanning takes the lead role. Shortly after the film came out, writer and director Bryan Bertino shared the story behind the creepy rules featured in it.

In an interview with The Direct, director Bertino talked about the shifting supernatural elements in his film, *Vicious*. He explained that these changes aren’t arbitrary, but rather represent a very relatable problem: being in a toxic relationship. Bertino noted that, like in those relationships, the ‘rules’ within the film are constantly changing, and no matter how hard the characters try, they can’t seem to get ahead because the goalposts keep moving. It creates a feeling of helplessness and the sense that victory is impossible.

The story centers on Polly, a young woman who takes in a mysterious elderly woman who appears at her door one night. The woman soon reveals a chilling prophecy: she will die unless Polly retrieves a specific briefcase and fills it with three items – something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. As Polly tries to get help, strange and frightening supernatural events begin to occur, putting her and her loved ones in danger.

The film *Vicious* premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2025 and received a mixed reaction from critics. While praised for its unsettling atmosphere and suspense, and Dakota Fanning’s performance, these strengths weren’t enough to overcome the film’s weaknesses. Currently, *Vicious* has a 43% rating on review aggregators, based on 14 critic reviews.

Dakota Fanning Has Two New Projects in The Works

This November, Taylor Fanning joins the cast of the new mystery thriller, *All Her Fault*, which is based on the Andrea Mara novel of the same name. The series centers around Marissa Irvine, played by Sarah Snook, whose son vanishes during a playdate. The story follows her desperate and increasingly fraught search for her child and the truth surrounding his disappearance. The cast also includes Jake Lacy, Sophia Lillis, Abby Elliott, and Michael Peña.

Elle Fanning will star in and executive produce a new Apple TV+ series based on Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel, *Margo’s Got Money Troubles*. The show, like the book, centers on Margo Millet, a woman who turns to OnlyFans for income after an affair leaves her unexpectedly pregnant and alone. Fanning will play Margo, the daughter of a Hooter’s waitress and a former professional wrestler.

Vicious is streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-10-08 15:07