What’s the New Dakota Fanning Horror and Where to Watch? — Good News for Thrill Seekers

Interest in autumn horror is always high, and Vicious slotting into that seasonal craving feels just right. The Dakota Fanning–led chiller by writer-director Bryan Bertino (The Strangers) was originally slated for cinemas.

Now, having been removed from Paramount’s theatrical schedule, it will premiere at Austin’s Fantastic Fest in September and then stream on Paramount+ (plus digital) from 10 October — right before Halloween.

A Festival with Genre Street Cred

Fantastic Fest is a launchpad for genre-defining films. Classics like John Wick, and There Will Be Blood all premiered there, for instanse.

That pedigree gives Vicious genuine atmosphere before its streaming debut. With Fanning leading a cast that includes Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, it’s shaping up to be a feast for thriller lovers.

From Cinema Plans to Cozy Screams

Paramount’s previous regime pivoted the release strategy — aiming for a premium at-home scare rather than theatrical exposure. Fanning plays Polly, who receives a mysterious gift from a late-night visitor and quickly finds herself trapped in a distorted reality.

With her recent horror chops (The Watchers) and action cred (The Equalizer 3, Ripley), the real question is: will Vicious deliver the kind of spine-tingling tension you’d binge-watching at home — or make you wish you’d caught it in a dark theatre?

I’ve always felt horror hits harder at home — there’s no stepping out into the night to shake it off.