🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lee Toland Krieger
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Indie
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (8.2K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A grumpy guy hating on women falls for his brother’s girlfriend, proving his own point… or something.
🍿 The Vicious Kind: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Thanksgiving Arrival
Caleb Sinclaire, a cynical and embittered man, begrudgingly picks up his younger brother Peter and Peter’s new girlfriend Emma from college for Thanksgiving. Caleb immediately voices his distrust of women to Peter, setting a tense tone. Emma, a psychology student, finds herself caught in the middle of Caleb’s negativity and Peter’s naiveté.

Caleb’s Infatuation and Antagonism
Caleb becomes increasingly infatuated with Emma, who resembles his ex-girlfriend, leading him to act out in erratic and often cruel ways. He oscillates between warning Peter about Emma’s supposed infidelity and trying to sabotage their relationship. His behavior includes leaving provocative photos where Emma can find them and physically threatening her.

Family Secrets and Confrontations
As Thanksgiving progresses, family secrets are revealed, including the strained relationship between Caleb and his father, Donald. Flashbacks hint at a past affair by their mother and the subsequent fallout. The tension culminates in confrontations as Caleb struggles with his feelings for Emma and his own internal demons.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott): A bitter and misogynistic man who becomes infatuated with his brother’s new girlfriend while grappling with past relationship trauma.
- Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow): The intelligent and complex girlfriend who becomes the object of Caleb’s unwanted attention and internal conflict.
- Peter Sinclaire (Alex Frost): The younger brother who naively brings his girlfriend home, unaware of the brewing tension and familial issues.
- Donald Sinclaire (J.K. Simmons): The gruff and estranged father who struggles to connect with his sons amidst a history of infidelity and family secrets.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Caleb Sinclaire: “They’re all whores, Peter.” – Caleb’s cynical and sweeping generalization about women, reflecting his deep-seated mistrust and bitterness after a bad breakup.
- Caleb Sinclaire: “Do you ever just think about the shit you say, and think uh, well I should definitely kill myself. Do you ever think that?” – Caleb’s dark and self-deprecating humor showcases his internal struggle and self-loathing.
- Donald Sinclaire: “The next time I see you on my property, I will shoot you.” – Donald’s harsh words to Caleb highlight their strained and dysfunctional relationship, rooted in past conflicts and betrayals.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $112,847
- Worldwide Gross: $112,847
💥 The Vicious Kind Reviews
Personal Review
I stumbled upon ‘The Vicious Kind’ late one night, and it really stuck with me. Adam Scott is incredible – he makes you feel for this guy even when he’s being a total jerk. It’s a dark movie, sure, but it’s also surprisingly honest about how messed up families can be. The Thanksgiving dinner scene is so awkward and real, I almost had to look away. Definitely recommend if you’re into character-driven stories.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie dramas”
- “Viewers interested in character studies”
- “Those who appreciate dark and complex themes”
- “Adam Scott fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content”
- “Cheating”
- “Misogyny”
- “Emotional abuse”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A surprisingly poignant character study anchored by Adam Scott’s raw and vulnerable performance as a misogynistic man confronting his demons during a dysfunctional Thanksgiving.
- Variety: “Lee Toland Krieger’s ‘The Vicious Kind’ explores complex family dynamics and features strong performances, especially from Adam Scott, though its bleak tone may not appeal to all audiences.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Adam Scott shines in this dark dramedy about familial dysfunction and toxic relationships, but the film’s pacing and occasionally predictable plot prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Audience Reactions
Adam Scott’s performance is the standout, perfectly capturing the character’s inner turmoil and exterior abrasiveness.: Viewers generally praise Adam Scott’s performance and the film’s exploration of dysfunctional family relationships.
The film’s raw and honest portrayal of family dynamics resonates with many viewers who appreciate its unflinching approach.: Audiences found the film to be relatable in its depiction of family tensions and personal struggles.
Overall Consensus: A dark and compelling indie drama primarily praised for its strong performances, especially Adam Scott’s, and its unflinching portrayal of family dysfunction and complex relationships.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Writer and director Lee Toland Krieger based some of Caleb’s character traits and experiences on aspects of his own life.”
- “The film was shot primarily in Norfolk, Connecticut, capturing the small-town atmosphere central to the story.”
- “Brittany Snow and J.K. Simmons reunited in the film ‘The Late Bloomer’ (2016) after working together in ‘The Vicious Kind’.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Vicious Kind?
Currently, “The Vicious Kind” is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Vicious Kind, you might like these similar films:
- Dan in Real Life (2007): Similar family holiday setting with complex romantic entanglements.
- Two Lovers (2008): Explores a love triangle with a protagonist torn between two women and dealing with inner turmoil.
- Manchester by the Sea (2016): Features a deeply flawed protagonist grappling with grief and strained family relationships.
🛒 The Vicious Kind Related Products
- The Vicious Kind [Blu-ray]: Own ‘The Vicious Kind’ on Blu-ray to experience the film’s compelling performances and dark humor in high definition. A must-have for fans of indie dramas and Adam Scott’s work.
- Adam Scott: Parks and Recreation – The Complete Series [DVD]: If you enjoy Adam Scott’s acting, check out this series. Watch him in a completely different role as the ever-likeable Ben Wyatt in ‘Parks and Recreation’, showcasing his comedic range.
- Adam Scott Signed Photo: Own a signed photograph of Adam Scott to commemorate his performance. Authenticated collectible memorabilia.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray [Kindle Edition]: Inspired by ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’. Read this gothic and philosophical novel.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Vicious Kind features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “A Long Dream” – performed by Tyler Ramsey
- “Such Great Heights” – performed by The Postal Service
- “Sea of Teeth” – performed by Sparklehorse
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘The Vicious Kind’ is a drama centered around a dysfunctional family and a love triangle that develops when a cynical man becomes infatuated with his brother’s girlfriend.
You can typically rent or purchase ‘The Vicious Kind’ on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for availability.
While some sources list it as a dark comedy, many viewers find it to be primarily a drama with moments of dark humor. It explores complex themes and dysfunctional relationships.
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