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The Vicious Kind

  • 2009
  • R
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
8.3K
YOUR RATING
Adam Scott in The Vicious Kind (2009)
A man tries to warn his brother away from the new girlfriend he brings home during Thanksgiving, but ends up becoming infatuated with her in the process.
Play trailer2:21
1 Video
12 Photos
Dark ComedyComedyDrama

A man tries to warn his brother away from the new girlfriend he brings home during Thanksgiving, but ends up becoming infatuated with her in the process.A man tries to warn his brother away from the new girlfriend he brings home during Thanksgiving, but ends up becoming infatuated with her in the process.A man tries to warn his brother away from the new girlfriend he brings home during Thanksgiving, but ends up becoming infatuated with her in the process.

  • Director
    • Lee Toland Krieger
  • Writer
    • Lee Toland Krieger
  • Stars
    • Adam Scott
    • Brittany Snow
    • Alex Frost
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    8.3K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lee Toland Krieger
    • Writer
      • Lee Toland Krieger
    • Stars
      • Adam Scott
      • Brittany Snow
      • Alex Frost
    • 42User reviews
    • 23Critic reviews
    • 65Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Vicious Kind
    Trailer 2:21
    The Vicious Kind

    Photos11

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    Top cast19

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    Adam Scott
    Adam Scott
    • Caleb Sinclaire
    Brittany Snow
    Brittany Snow
    • Emma Gainsborough
    Alex Frost
    Alex Frost
    • Peter Sinclaire
    J.K. Simmons
    J.K. Simmons
    • Donald Sinclaire
    Vittorio Brahm
    • J.T.
    Bill Buell
    Bill Buell
    • Rocky
    Alysia Reiner
    Alysia Reiner
    • Samantha
    Kate Krieger
    Kate Krieger
    • Molly
    Jordan Reid
    Jordan Reid
    • Hannah
    • (as Jordan Reid Berkow)
    Anne Gill
    • Waitress
    Emily Jo
    • Girl in Bar
    • (as Emily Oehler)
    Jim Ford
    Jim Ford
    • Frat Boy #1
    Kevin Rogers
    Kevin Rogers
    • Frat Guy #2
    Rebecca Nickeas
    • Bartender
    • (as Rebecca Bond Nickeas)
    Robert Bizik
    Robert Bizik
    • Captain of Bowling Team
    • (uncredited)
    Spencer Kayden
    • Townie
    • (uncredited)
    Samantha Kelly
    Samantha Kelly
    • Townie
    • (uncredited)
    Angela Wheaton
    • Townie
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Lee Toland Krieger
    • Writer
      • Lee Toland Krieger
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews42

    6.88.2K
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    Featured reviews

    8momentfilms-1

    Great little film, give it a try.

    The Vicious Kind may not be what it seems like from the title or the premise, but that turns out to be a good thing, in this little gem of a straight to video film that does pay off if you stick with it to the end. Disillusioned Caleb (Adam Scott), who chain smokes as he tells his newly smitten brother Peter (Alex Frost) that 'They're all whore's-' he's talking about women of course. But no matter how off putting and anti social he might seem at first, Caleb, well guided by Scott's first rate performance, is one of those character's you couldn't ignore if you tried. Peter's new girlfriend Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow) might have an upper class name, but we can tell she's not from wealth even if she didn't keep sneaking outside to smoke. But as much as she may be turned off by Caleb's many acts where he well acts out, (including leaving X rated pics of himself with a prostitute for her to find), we know that the bad brother has something to offer that the good one can't possibly provide, and while the third act of the film does not play out too predictably, it would be no surprise to most viewers what happens. But the performances above all make this film watchable, not the least of which comes from J.K. Simmons as Frank, the father who is estranged from Caleb, while inviting of Peter and Emma's budding relationship. Simmons turns in yet another dependable and likable character here, even with the least screen time of the four. Happy endings may not necessarily abound at the end, but at the very least the film leaves it's character's with the promise for a different path.
    7SnoopyStyle

    Interesting indie with interesting performances

    Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott) is an angry bitter drunken insomniac. His brother Peter (Alex Frost) has a new girlfriend Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow). They pick her up from college. Caleb warns him against all women, but he can't seem to get his mind off of her. Peter and Emma are staying with their father Donald (J.K. Simmons), and Caleb has a contentious relationship with their father.

    This is definitely not the normal character that Adam Scott usually plays and it's far away from his nice guy persona. Caleb is unhinged and self destructive. It's a good performance from him as well as Brittany Snow. Writer/director Lee Toland Krieger has created a difficult dysfunctional family dynamics. The story has just a little bit of humor. I wish it had a bit more as well as more drama. It's an interesting little indie with some interesting performances.
    7secondtake

    A smart, small cast, ensemble movie, engrossing once you let it hook you.

    The Vicious Kind (2009)

    This sneaks up on you. At first you can't believe how awful the older brother is, mean and acerbic, but he's strangely perceptive and quick, too. Played by Adam Scott, he's really a wonder to watch, and he makes the movie. The other three main characters end up being strong but supporting roles, making for a great small ensemble performance. And they have a curious, not spectacular, but nuanced plot. It's filled with little clichés we are sure we've seen before, but it all has an odd arc to it, and a cutting, believable edge, and it takes on a life of its own.

    This is only director Lee Toland Krieger's second film, and it shows a kind of deft handling of young people's problems that is precocious, and promising. Adam Scott has been knocking about for fifteen years, and has crossed paths with some of the best (he has been in some quality t.v. like "Six Feet Under," and was a secondary character in "The Aviator" among many others). The father in "The Vicious Kind," a pivotal character in explaining the motives behind the two sons, is that strong character actor, J.K. Simmons, who has trouble shedding his previous roles (including a more comic version of the same thing in "Juno").

    A whole greater than the sum of its parts. Captivating. Not to be underestimated.
    8wewatchedamovie1

    If you have been ruined by a member of the opposite sex....

    Ever been hurt by a member of the opposite sex so badly you went through the growing a beard and wearing a stained t-shirt while being rude to everyone you came in contact with but really just wanting a hug phase? Whew. Me too. That's why this movie is so enjoyable. The film mostly follows Adam Scott's character Caleb. The film doesn't divulge all the details right away and I won't either, but let's just say a girl hurt him. Badly. Enough to make him the rudest bearded person around. His family life is not that great either, if you add the fact he's not even allowed to step foot on his Father's (JK Simmons) Property. Basically his wide eyed and innocent Brother Peter (Alex Frost) is all the family Caleb has. So naturally when he meets Peters gorgeous new girlfriend (Brittany Snow), who looks like the adorable punk rock girl that would rip out your heart from your chest and look cute doing it.....Caleb tries to stop his brother from falling for her, and of-course... ends up falling for her himself.

    This film is written perfectly and played perfectly by everyone involved. What could have easily been a love triangle movie we have seen a thousand times before was anything but. Scott's performance as a guy teetering on the edge of madness and looking for answers is top notch. Snow never lets on exactly what she's thinking which makes for a really interesting movie throughout. JK Simmons is great as you would expect him to be and the writing leaves you wanting even more. The film had a great look to it and a decent soundtrack. It didn't feel like a false big budget romance, yet it didn't feel like a hipster indie film either. Yes, some indie films are starting to become as cliché as the big budget films. Not here though, this film has entertaining anger and a dark heart. But it's a genuine dark heart and an enjoyable, believable watch.

    Mike Holtz WeWatchedAMovie http://www.youtube.com/wewatchedamovie
    8david-5160

    Elegant characterisation

    An elegant study in character and the use of subtle good vs evil interplay in the presentation of a character to an audience. Caleb, the character in question, is the true focus of the movie, though the camera dwells lovingly on the beautiful Emma ("a dark angel, does your sister dye her hair black like that? It's very flattering") for obvious reasons.

    Our feelings for Caleb shift constantly from bemusement, to loathing, to admiration to astonishment, but the balance is always cleverly maintained in his favour (juxtaposed by a less than flattering portrayal of his brother as the prudish 'republican') and with the climax of the film, despite his often atrocious behaviour, Caleb is the lovable anti-hero. We find ourselves, against our better judgement, rooting for him.

    Kreiger has created one of the most memorable personalities in a modern film - a true train wreck of a character and one you will not forget in a hurry - and a masterclass in independent film making. Forget Paranormal Activity. Here is a budget movie worthy of the indie tag and your attention.

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    Related interests

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sian Clifford in Fleabag (2016)
    Dark Comedy
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Brittany Snow and J.K. Simmons collaborated again in The Late Bloomer (2016).
    • Quotes

      Caleb Sinclaire: [wryly] Do you ever just think about the shit you say, and think uh, well I should definitely kill myself. Do you ever think that?

    • Connections
      References 60 Minutes (1968)
    • Soundtracks
      A Long Dream
      Performed by Tyler Ramsey

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    FAQ17

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 17, 2009 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Điều xấu
    • Filming locations
      • Norfolk, Connecticut, USA
    • Production companies
      • 72nd Street
      • Candleridge Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 32m(92 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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