The Vicious Kind

In this very dark comedy, Caleb (Adam Scott) is a distrustful bitter malcontent whose life is turned upside down one Thanksgiving weekend. Director Lee Toland Krieger’s sophomore effort, an official Sundance selection, is a barbed four-character piece that begins with Caleb lecturing his younger brother Peter (Alex Frost) about women. This blistering monologue, replete with tasty vulgarities and sarcastic asides, is followed by Caleb driving Peter to collect his new girlfriend Emma (Brittany Snow) on their way home for Thanksgiving. It is not a comfortable ride. Following a difficult breakup, he is scornful toward women and wears his disdain as a badge of honor.

 

Simultaneously, the sarcastic and stressed Lana grows increasingly neurotic about her post pregnancy weight and flagging marriage and contemplates wild solutions including an affair with a hunky cop. Will it be Botox or a baby? An affair or a job? 

On arrival, more of the story unfolds as Caleb refuses to stay for the festivities having not spoken to their father Donald (J.K. Simmons) in the eight years since their mother’s death. It’s a small town, though, so Caleb runs into his brother and, although distrustful of Emma, he finds himself drawn to her and is surprised by his growing attraction. Trusting Peter, seemingly unaware, is crazy about Emma and eager to lose his virginity. Krieger juxtaposes this innocent desire with a series of tense, hostile yet sexually charged encounters between Caleb and Emma, who happens to bear a striking resemblance to Caleb's two-timing ex-girlfriend. Secrets and recriminations multiply on all sides until Caleb’s unexpected feelings force him finally to confront the vulnerability he has struggled so long to conceal. Adam Scott, who gives an inspired performance as Caleb, powerfully embodies a man torn between lust and hatred, between his drives to protect as well as betray his brother, prone to angry diatribes but also susceptible to flashes of naked frailty. Ultimately a redemption tale of dysfunctional family reunions, The Vicious Kind rises above the ordinary with superb performances and a cracking script. Its nominations for Independent Spirit Awards for Best Actor (Adam Scott) and Best Screenplay (Lee Toland Krieger) are easy to understand. 

Rated R for nudity and profanity.  

“‘The Vicious Kind’ is an unpredictable, off-kilter and scabrously funny piece of work…anchored by Adam Scott's searing performance.” -- Justin Chang, Variety 

“I ended up liking it so much, I watched it twice.” -- Kim Voynars, Movie City News 

The Vicious Kind will screen once at the Tradewinds Auditorium of the BUEI on Thursday, 25 February 2010 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 ($8 for BIFF Film Club members) and are available at the door one hour before the screening time. For information or to make a reservation, email info@biff.bm.