The Vicious Kind Poster

The Vicious Kind 2009

★ 6.2126 votes92 min📅 2009-12-11

"How would you protect someone from their first love?"

In Lee Toland Krieger's darkly comedic drama *The Vicious Kind (2009)*, Thanksgiving becomes the setting for a twisted game of emotional chess when a cynical young man, Sam, returns home to find his brother, Caleb, smitten with a magnetic new girlfriend.

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Cast

Adam Scott
Adam Scott
Caleb Sinclaire
Brittany Snow
Brittany Snow
Emma Gainsborough
Alex Frost
Alex Frost
Peter Sinclaire
J.K. Simmons
J.K. Simmons
Donald Sinclaire
Vittorio Brahm
J.T.
Bill Buell
Bill Buell
Rocky
Alysia Reiner
Alysia Reiner
Samantha
Kate Krieger
Molly
Jordan Reid
Jordan Reid
Hannah

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Vicious Kind (2009) about?

The film follows Sam, a guarded man who returns home for Thanksgiving and becomes alarmed when his brother Caleb falls hard for a new girlfriend. His attempts to protect Caleb backfire when Sam finds himself inexplicably drawn to her, sparking a chain of emotional chaos that threatens to unravel the family dynamic.

Who directed The Vicious Kind?

The film was directed by Lee Toland Krieger, known for his skillful blending of drama and dark comedy in indie projects like *The Age of Adaline*.

Who stars in The Vicious Kind?

The main cast includes Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost, J.K. Simmons, and Vittorio Brahm, with each actor bringing depth to the film's tangled relationships.

Is The Vicious Kind (2009) worth watching?

While *The Vicious Kind* isn't a mainstream hit, it offers a clever, if uneven, exploration of sibling rivalry and romantic obsession. Fans of indie comedies with sharp dialogue and morally gray characters will find plenty to enjoy, though its pacing occasionally falters. It's a niche but rewarding watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

How long is The Vicious Kind?

*The Vicious Kind* has a runtime of 92 minutes.

About The Vicious Kind (2009) — A Brother's Turmoil Over a Troublesome First Love

In Lee Toland Krieger's darkly comedic drama *The Vicious Kind (2009)*, Thanksgiving becomes the setting for a twisted game of emotional chess when a cynical young man, Sam, returns home to find his brother, Caleb, smitten with a magnetic new girlfriend. What begins as a protective mission to shield Caleb from heartbreak spirals into an unexpected infatuation for Sam, who finds himself drawn to the very woman he set out to warn his brother about. Set against the backdrop of familial tensions and holiday cheer, the film explores the messy, unpredictable nature of first love and the chaos it unleashes in the most tightly wound of households.

With sharp dialogue and a tone that balances humor with underlying melancholy, *The Vicious Kind* delivers a biting character study of insecurity, desire, and the fine line between good intentions and selfish obsession. Adam Scott shines as the conflicted protagonist, while J.K. Simmons steals scenes with his commanding presence as their father, grounding the film in a raw, lived-in authenticity.