There's something fascinating about horror films that don't rely on cheap jump scares, but instead on a slow-building tension-a breath held just before the scream. *Vicious*, though not a masterpiece of the genre, belongs firmly to that tradition. It's a film that understands the power of silence, of shadow, of solitude-and that's precisely where its strength lies.
The director (with a restrained, almost clinical gaze) offers a kind of horror that doesn't need flamboyant monsters or noisy special effects. Its weapon is discomfort. Each dimly lit corridor, each distant sound, feels like an invitation for the viewer to step into a psychological space where fear comes not from what's outside, but from within.
Visually, the film succeeds. The cold cinematography and meticulous sound design create a subtle claustrophobia reminiscent of works like *The Babadook* or *The Others*. There are truly unsettling moments-particularly when the narrative strips itself of explanations and dives into pure instinctive fear. These are scenes that linger, not because of their violence, but because of what they suggest-a rare merit in contemporary horror.
However, *Vicious* stumbles on what separates the good from the unforgettable: narrative cohesion. The screenplay, while functional, lacks boldness. The characters' motivations are sometimes shallow, and the structure leans on predictable choices, preventing the film from achieving the psychological depth it initially promises.
Even so, it would be unfair to dismiss it. Because *Vicious* doesn't just aim to scare-it aims to draw you in. Alone, in the stillness of night, the viewer feels that tension grow like a premonition. The film doesn't reinvent the genre, but it accomplishes something essential: it restores to horror that atmosphere of vulnerability, where true fear lies not in what's seen, but in what's heard when you thought you were alone.
A psychological thriller with moments of genuine horror, more effective in atmosphere than in storytelling. A must-watch for those who value fear crafted with elegance and restraint.
