The chief flaw of 'The Vicious Kind' becomes obvious during the film's opening minutes, when the film's protagonist Caleb exhibits toxic sarcasm and misogyny so extreme that one can feel only antipathy towards him. Caleb is driving his younger brother and a college girlfriend to the family home for a weekend visit, and he makes the trip uncomfortable for everyone. After this episode, the film's journey back to the origin of Caleb's issues is pedestrian and repetitive. Except for Brittany Snow as the brother's girlfriend Emma, none of the other characters are sufficiently developed or sympathetic. Unfortunately Emma's credibility is undermined by irrational behavior - she should despise Caleb after his initial hostility, but the script demands that she starts being attracted to this embittered, condescending, self-pitying loser.
When the long-awaited revelation finally arrives, it provides scant justification for his previous conduct. Caleb's obnoxiousness continues until the final scene of the film, when his shortcomings are swept under the carpet just in time for the final credits.
When the long-awaited revelation finally arrives, it provides scant justification for his previous conduct. Caleb's obnoxiousness continues until the final scene of the film, when his shortcomings are swept under the carpet just in time for the final credits.