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Comedy horror film

Vicious Fun (2021): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Vicious Fun (2021) movie poster

Vicious Fun is a 2021 comedy horror film directed by Cody Calahan, starring Evan Marsh as Joel, Amber Goldfarb and Alexa Rose Steele. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Stream it on AMC Plus and AMC+, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
Echo Score
80
Metascore
51
Vicious Fun (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Cody Calahan
Genres
Horror , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Vicious Fun About?

The premise of Vicious Fun without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

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.

Vicious Fun Themes & Keywords

· 38 tags
  • 1980s
  • stabbed in the throat
  • stabbed to death
  • hitchhiker
  • bar
  • payphone
  • drunk
  • roommate roommate relationship
  • serial killer
  • mistaken identity
  • jukebox
  • driver's license
+26 more
  • chinese restaurant
  • jail
  • under arrest
  • hand chopped off
  • stabbed through the chest
  • stabbed in the ear
  • stabbed with a pencil
  • murder of a police officer
  • fake mustache
  • pool of blood
  • injection in neck
  • stabbed in the arm
  • hit with a phone
  • emergency room
  • scalpel used as a weapon
  • stabbed in the eye
  • pulling out an eyeball
  • vomiting
  • drive in theater
  • mid credits scene
  • blood
  • gang of serial killers
  • psychopathic killer
  • psychopath
  • meta horror
  • group
Where to watch

Where to Watch Vicious Fun

Stream it on AMC Plus and AMC+, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Vicious Fun Cast & Characters

Evan Marsh leads the cast as Joel, with Amber Goldfarb as Carrie and Alexa Rose Steele as Sarah. Directed by Cody Calahan; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Vicious Fun

· 6 more
Ratings

Vicious Fun Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Vicious Fun 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

80 /100

Vicious Fun Echo Score Breakdown

Vicious Fun delivers a lively horror‑comedy experience that leans more toward enjoyment than innovation. Critics praise its vibrant neon‑lit visuals, competent direction, and an ensemble that sustains the film’s frantic rhythm, while noting predictable set pieces and occasional tonal lulls. Audience feedback highlights strong pacing, memorable 80s soundtrack, and a satisfying blend of gore and humor that encourages repeat viewings. The consensus positions the film as an entertaining, if not groundbreaking, entry in the genre.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    Artistic execution in Vicious Fun is anchored by striking neon‑infused cinematography and purposeful set design that evoke 1980s slasher aesthetics. Direction maintains a brisk tempo, guiding the gore and comedy without excessive indulgence. While some critics find the visual style repetitive, the overall craftsmanship supports the film’s tonal aims.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    Character work benefits from a cohesive ensemble whose performances balance absurdity and sincerity. Lead actor Marsh conveys a relatable yet hapless protagonist, while supporting cast members inject distinct personalities that enrich the chaotic narrative. Although a few reviewers note occasional caricature, the overall acting elevates the script’s humor and emotional beats.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The narrative stitches together slasher tropes with a self‑aware comedic premise, offering a plot that is both familiar and inventive. Pacing generally accelerates after the opening bloodshed, sustaining audience engagement despite a modest slowdown before the climax. Some criticism targets predictable set‑piece choreography, yet the story’s brisk progression largely compensates.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements combine a throbbing 80s‑style synth soundtrack with vivid, neon‑saturated color grading that reinforces the retro atmosphere. Sound design punctuates each kill with satisfying impact, while the visual composition maintains consistency across rapid scene changes. Though a minority find the aesthetic overtly stylized, the overall sensory package enhances the film’s energetic tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Rewatch potential stems from the film’s unabashed fun factor and its homage‑laden references that reward familiarity with 80s slasher lore. The brisk pacing and memorable musical cues invite repeat viewings, while the ensemble’s chemistry sustains comedic freshness across multiple screenings. Despite occasional narrative redundancy, the overall experience remains appealing for genre fans.

Plot

Vicious Fun Plot Summary

What happens in Vicious Fun from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

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.

Full summary

The whole story of Vicious Fun, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Vicious Fun Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

VICIOUS FUN - Official Trailer
  • Trailer Vicious Fun - Official Trailer [HD] | A Shudder Original
  • Trailer VICIOUS FUN - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Vicious Fun?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does the movie 'Vicious Fun' take place?

Details

Vicious Fun Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Círculo Vicioso” and “사악한 쾌락: 킬러들의 험담”.

Also known as
  • Círculo Vicioso
  • 사악한 쾌락: 킬러들의 험담
  • Порочное удовольствие
  • 恶趣味
  • Dzika frajda

Seen Vicious Fun?

FAQ

Vicious Fun FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Vicious Fun, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Vicious Fun?

Vicious Fun runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Vicious Fun released?

Vicious Fun was released on June 29, 2021.

Who directed Vicious Fun?

Vicious Fun was directed by Cody Calahan.

More films by Cody Calahan

Who is in the cast of Vicious Fun?

Vicious Fun stars Evan Marsh as Joel, Amber Goldfarb as Carrie and Alexa Rose Steele as Sarah, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Vicious Fun?

In the US, Vicious Fun is streaming on AMC Plus, AMC+ and Hoopla and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Vicious Fun rated?

Vicious Fun has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does Vicious Fun have a post-credit scene?

No. Vicious Fun has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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