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Since its Paramount+ release in October 2025, “Vicious” has captivated horror fans with its eerie premise and deep psychological twists. Directed by Bryan Bertino (“The Strangers”) and starring Dakota Fanning in one of her most chilling performances to date, the film is a tightly wound thriller that unfolds almost entirely over a single night within the main character’s home.
The story follows Polly (Fanning), whose sanity is tested after a late-night delivery of a mysterious (and dangerous) box. As the emotional tension mounts, the film’s suffocating atmosphere has left many viewers asking: Where was “Vicious” actually filmed? Surprisingly, the answer anchors this otherworldly nightmare in a very real and beautifully historic destination that savvy travelers might recognize.
Explore Ottawa, Ontario, As Seen In ‘Vicious’
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Key Scenes: “Vicious” was primarily captured in Ottawa, as Sportskeeda reports. However, given the narrative’s setting, with most scenes taking place inside Polly’s home, viewers won’t recognize much in real life. Some fans have speculated that brief exterior scenes, like Polly’s house, were captured in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighborhood, though.
Best Time to Visit: Deciding when to visit Ottawa depends on your preferences, but for the best balance of comfort and cost, aim for the shoulder seasons. Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) offer beautiful weather that is perfect for exploring. As a bonus, you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds and score better travel deals than in the peak summer months.
Transportation Options: You won’t be stuck for a ride in Ottawa. Travelers can rely on the city’s extensive public transit, including the OC Transpo buses and O-Train light rail. Prefer to set your own schedule? Taxis, ride-sharing apps and bicycles are readily available throughout the city.
Ottawa is quickly emerging as a hidden gem for filmmakers, making it the perfect choice for “Vicious.” Filming took place between March and May 2024, according to Sportskeeda, with the production team drawn to the city’s blend of film-friendly incentives and understated suburban charm. While the movie centers on a claustrophobic home setting, the exterior shots were reportedly captured in Sandy Hill – a neighborhood famous for its tree-lined streets and historic elegance.
For the interior scenes, the crew moved to 1Department Studios in suburban Ottawa, as revealed on Instagram. This controlled environment allowed them to execute the film’s precise lighting and practical effects. Just a heads-up for travelers: the studio isn’t open for public tours, so your best bet for soaking up the movie’s moody aesthetic is a twilight walk through the beautiful streets of Sandy Hill.
Things to Do: While Sandy Hill is perfect for seeing the film’s residential aesthetic, it’s a quiet neighborhood with fewer activities for tourists. For the real action, head into Downtown Ottawa. It’s only a quick 10-minute drive away and is packed with culture and history. Once there, make sure to visit Parliament Hill to see the city’s most iconic landmark, or explore the fascinating exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Where to Eat: There are many unique places to eat in the heart of Ottawa, including the JOEY Rideau. This eatery serves both international and regional dishes, with an open aesthetic kitchen. Then there is Chez Lucien, which is a moody downtown bar and restaurant that offers great cocktails and pub fare.
Where to Stay: The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is a sleek accommodation with incredible views and modern amenities. Alternatively, travelers can consider the more affordable Econo Lodge Downtown, which offers a quaint and cozy experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the movie “Vicious”?
Per Movie Insider, “Vicious” follows Polly, who descends into terror after a mysterious older woman arrives at her door late at night. Then she gives her a box, and it comes with a chilling ultimatum. Polly must place something she needs, something she hates and something she loves inside it before dawn or she will die. As the night progresses, she faces her deepest fears and regrets, which blur the lines between reality and nightmare.
What makes “Vicious” (2025) unique?
The uniqueness of this film lies in its emotional depth, which is overcast by its perceived simplicity, as Cinemablend reports. With the box’s rules come both moral and emotional sacrifices. There is an almost mythic weight to the life-or-death stakes at hand. Additionally, it is a very atmospheric film, and various elements are employed to build tension and evoke fear. For example, jump scares, a bended reality, confined conditions, silence and sheer emotional performances add to the eerie cinematography.
Where can I watch “Vicious” starring Dakota Fanning?
Since premiering at the Fantastic Fest in September 2025, it has become available on Paramount+ and other platforms. Viewers can stream or rent it on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
