Year: 2021
Runtime: 96 min
Language: English
Director: Cody Calahan
A cynical film critic, Joel, finds himself unexpectedly entangled with a group of real-life serial killers during a detour. Forced to attend their support group, he must fight to survive amongst this dangerous and depraved gathering. As Joel struggles to stay alive, he's forced to confront his own vulnerabilities and the unsettling darkness hidden within seemingly ordinary suburban life.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Vicious Fun (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the biting cold of winter 1983, the shadowy backstreets and desolate highways of Minnesota became the backdrop for a disturbing game of predator and prey, led by the notorious serial killer, Phil. However, this saga takes a sharp turn when Carrie, played by Amber Goldfarb, retaliates fiercely, swiftly silencing Phil with a decisive throat strike. Meanwhile, Joel, portrayed by Evan Marsh, a film critic for the horror magazine Vicious Fanatics, grapples with his creative aspirations. Over late-night whiskey-fueled discussions, he envisions a chilling cinematic tale revolving around a murderous taxi driver.
As Joel’s eyes wander toward Sarah, his cherished roommate, he struggles with jealousy as he witnesses her new romance with Bob, played by Ari Millen. Driven by curiosity over Sarah’s newfound joy, he decides to follow Bob to a nearby Chinese restaurant, where they chat amiably at the bar, unaware that a film critic is surreptitiously observing from the shadows.
As the night progresses and Joel finds himself intoxicated, he inadvertently stumbles into a supply closet. Coming to his senses, he realizes that the restaurant is closed, but his escapade is just beginning. Upon stumbling into the deserted dining area, he accidentally infiltrates a 12-step meeting for serial killers, where he encounters Zachary, portrayed by David Koechner, Carrie, Fritz, Mike, and Hideo. Initially mistaken for Phil, Joel quickly comprehends the severity of his ignorance — he’s now surrounded by predators with no obvious exit.
Attempting to save face, Joel concocts his cab driver horror storyline to blend in. However, the re-emergence of Bob, who reveals himself to be a killer too, threatens to shatter his illusion of safety. As the meeting heats up, tensions surge; Zachary’s attempt to assert control is met with aggressive retribution from Mike, Bob, and Fritz, culminating in a shocking act of violence against him.
Now in a desperate position, Carrie fortifies herself and Joel in the kitchen, unveiling her true mission: to eradicate serial killers. Little does she know, Fritz is scheming to infiltrate their stronghold, only to be met with swift retaliation from Carrie.
As Hideo attempts a sneaky entrance through the ventilation, Joel feigns unconsciousness, which allows Carrie to dispatch Hideo with an unexpected trick. Bob then uncovers a startling truth about Joel’s roommate, Sarah, and uses this intel as leverage, threatening her safety. Confiding in Carrie about his feelings for Sarah, Joel’s vulnerability is met with Carrie’s keen observations about his stalker-like tendencies. Heeding her warnings, however, Joel acts impulsively, triggering a fire alarm and inadvertently placing Carrie in jeopardy by framing her as a dangerous threat.
When the cops arrive at the scene and witness the chaos, they scoff at Carrie and Joel’s warnings, leading to their detainment. At the police station, they face Officer Tony and detectives Doyle and Hollands, who dismiss their bizarre explanations. Joel’s attempts to contact Sarah lead to a frustrated hang-up, further entrenching the detectives’ disbelief. Despite Carrie’s grave cautions about Bob’s imminent threat, they find themselves locked in, misconstruing their perilous reality.
Things become increasingly dire when Bob, disguised as an undercover agent, exploits his access to the station. As he rummages through Carrie’s confiscated notebook, he stumbles upon her kill list, exposing her lethal mission intentions. Chaos erupts as Fritz murders Officer Tony, followed by the murders of the two detectives by Mike and Bob. While this turmoil unfolds, Carrie successfully breaks out with Joel by her side, ready to reclaim control.
With vengeance on her mind, Carrie efficiently eliminates Mike and Fritz, leading to an explosive reunion with Sarah, who is horrified by the bloody aftermath she walks into. In a vicious confrontation, Joel sacrifices himself to save Carrie from Bob’s aggression, resulting in a grave injury. As chaos reigns outside in the aftermath, Joel helps Carrie escape into Sarah’s car for critical medical attention.
On their way to the hospital, Sarah’s driving turns chaotic as she collides with Bob. Unfazed, Bob plots his next move, posing as a doctor in the hospital to get close to them. As Carrie mends her injuries, Joel prepares her for a climactic showdown against Bob, who is now more dangerous than ever.
With a scalpel in her hand, Carrie delivers a lethal blow, extinguishing Bob’s terror reign. Following this brutal confrontation, their relationship shifts dramatically; Carrie starts to see potential in Joel as a protégé in her newfound crusade. After exchanging farewells with Sarah, Carrie and Joel prepare for a future mission together, targeting a dangerous serial killer lurking at a movie theater reminiscent of Jack Portwood’s infamous work. This twist of fate brings their previous struggles full circle, opening the door to a new chapter in their saga.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 13:52
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