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LOS ANGELES — When Polly (Dakota Fanning) receives a mysterious box from an unexpected late-night visitor, it comes with a simple instruction — place three things inside: something you need, something you hate and something you love.

In a terrifying instant, Polly finds herself navigating a series of impossible choices as reality bends and memory betrays.

“I think it’s a proper, pure, proper horror film. If that’s your jam, this is for you,” Fanning told Spectrum News. “Woven into the genre is a very human story about the character that I play. You get taken down this rabbit hole with her and the psychological battle she has with her own mind.”

Dakota Fanning, left, and writer-director Bryan Bertino on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “Vicious.” (Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

Even though “Vicious” has a stellar cast, for much of the film, it is just Fanning and the camera. The responsibility and weight of carrying the film scared her, but also made her excited and nervous.  

“I knew it was going to be a challenge to be acting with myself for the majority of the film,” she said. “It was interesting because I ended up never feeling like that was the case because of the camaraderie I developed with the crew, and with Brian the director. I had such a collaborate, support system with them. I never felt like I was alone on this journey.”

“Vicious” will stream on Paramount+ and on digital platforms on Oct. 10. It stars Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, Klea Scott and Emily Mitchell. It is directed by Bryan Bertino.

Click the arrow above to watch the full interview with Fanning.