The Rise of “Empty” Horror: Why Bryan Bertino’s ‘Vicious’ Signals a Troubling Trend for Streaming
The horror genre is experiencing a peculiar shift. While jump scares and gore remain staples, a growing number of films – like Bryan Bertino’s recently released Vicious – are prioritizing atmosphere and psychological unease over traditional narrative payoff. This isn’t simply a stylistic choice; it’s a direct consequence of the streaming era’s demands, and it could fundamentally alter how horror is made and consumed.
The Allure of Ambiguity: A Response to Streaming Fatigue?
Vicious, starring Dakota Fanning, exemplifies this trend. The film, initially slated for theatrical release but relegated to Paramount+, presents a deliberately opaque narrative. A young woman’s descent into apparent madness is depicted with minimal explanation, relying heavily on unsettling visuals and Fanning’s compelling performance. Critics have noted the film’s resemblance to classics like Roman Polanski’s Repulsion and Rosemary’s Baby, but with a crucial difference: Bertino actively withholds the explanatory framework that anchors those films. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it’s indicative of a broader pattern.
Why this emphasis on ambiguity? The answer likely lies in the unique pressures of streaming services. Unlike theatrical releases, which rely on immediate audience impact and word-of-mouth, streaming platforms benefit from sustained engagement. A film that sparks discussion, encourages re-watching, and generates online theories – even without a neatly tied-up ending – can outperform a more conventional horror movie in the long run. As a result, filmmakers are increasingly experimenting with open-ended narratives that prioritize mood and interpretation.
The “Slow Burn” is Dead: Long-Form Horror and the Attention Span
For decades, the “slow burn” horror film – think The Witch or Hereditary – has been a critical darling. These films build tension gradually, relying on psychological dread and unsettling imagery. However, the streaming landscape is eroding the patience for such deliberate pacing. Audiences, accustomed to binge-watching and instant gratification, are less willing to invest in a film that doesn’t deliver immediate scares or a clear narrative direction.
Vicious attempts a faster, more aggressive approach, hitting viewers with hallucinatory sequences early on. However, as many critics have pointed out, this ultimately feels exhausting rather than effective. The film struggles to maintain momentum because it lacks the foundational narrative depth to support its relentless barrage of unsettling imagery. This highlights a key challenge for filmmakers: accelerating the pace of psychological horror without sacrificing substance. A study by Nielsen found that viewers are more likely to abandon a show or movie if the first 10 minutes don’t grab their attention, a statistic that undoubtedly influences creative decisions. Nielsen’s research on viewer engagement underscores this point.
The Rise of the “Atmospheric” Director and the Chamber Piece
Bryan Bertino isn’t alone in this trend. His previous work, including The Strangers, demonstrates a talent for creating intensely claustrophobic and unsettling atmospheres. This focus on atmosphere – often achieved through minimalist settings and limited characters (the “chamber piece” format) – is becoming increasingly common in streaming horror.
This approach offers several advantages. It’s often more cost-effective than large-scale horror productions, making it ideal for streaming budgets. It also allows filmmakers to prioritize visual storytelling and psychological nuance over elaborate special effects. However, it also carries the risk of becoming repetitive or, as in the case of Vicious, ultimately unsatisfying.
Implications for the Future of Horror
The trend towards “empty” horror – films that prioritize atmosphere and ambiguity over narrative resolution – is likely to continue, particularly on streaming platforms. This doesn’t necessarily mean the death of traditional horror storytelling, but it does suggest a growing divergence within the genre.
We can expect to see more films that:
- Embrace subjective reality: Stories that deliberately blur the line between what is real and what is imagined, leaving the audience to question the protagonist’s sanity.
- Prioritize mood over plot: Films that focus on creating a pervasive sense of dread and unease, even at the expense of a coherent narrative.
- Experiment with unconventional structures: Non-linear narratives, fragmented timelines, and ambiguous endings will become more common.
This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for filmmakers. Those who can master the art of atmospheric storytelling and create genuinely unsettling experiences will thrive. However, those who rely solely on style over substance risk alienating audiences and contributing to a growing sense of horror fatigue.
What will it take for horror to truly resonate in the streaming age? Perhaps a return to strong character development, compelling themes, and a willingness to take risks beyond simply withholding information. The future of the genre may depend on it.
