The Vicious Kind (2009)

The Vicious Kind: Directed by Lee Toland Krieger. With Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost, J.K. Simmons. 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.

“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 (u0026quot;a dark angel, does your sister dye her hair black like that? Itu0026#39;s very flatteringu0026quot;) for obvious reasons.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOur 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 u0026#39;republicanu0026#39;) 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eKreiger 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.”