The Vicious Kind is a 2009 American comedy-drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Lee Toland Krieger.

It follows a misanthropic man who tries to warn his brother away from the new girlfriend he brings home during Thanksgiving, but ends up becoming infatuated with her in the process.

Peter is an idealistic college student on Thanksgiving break, and his older brother Caleb is begrudgingly giving him a ride home.

Hannah has been continuously calling Caleb without speaking, so he drops off pictures of himself having sex with a prostitute at her doorstep, ringing the bell and fleeing.

Caleb goes into his belief on what he heard about her at school, his girlfriend Hannah who cheated on him, and his lack of sleep, which has further muddled his actions and behavior.

Caleb visits his prostitute, and asks her if it's normal to be in love with a perceived image of someone, even if that's not who they really are (likening Emma to Hannah).

Caleb loses his temper, then comes back and gives her a better tip, implying that his perception and treatment of women is evolving.

However, he eventually discovered that Donald had been the one cheating until his wife finally left, never thinking that he would refuse to let her see her sons.

[4] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 65 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

"[6] Peter Knegt of IndieWire wrote, "There are unexpected, uneasy laughs from start to finish as well as a cast of unlikable characters.

"[7] Justin Chang of Variety opined, "Before it bogs down in one too many moments of cathartic reckoning, The Vicious Kind is an unpredictable, off-kilter and scabrously funny piece of work.

"[8] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter commented, "Krieger's scabrous dialogue and incisive characterizations consistently sustain interest, and the performers provide intriguingly complex layers to their characters.

"[9] Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times remarked, "Featuring a knockout performance by Adam Scott, The Vicious Kind upends the heavily tread dysfunctional family drama in ways that are unique, surprising and memorable.

"[11] The Vicious Kind was nominated for Best Male Lead (for Scott) and Best Screenplay (for Krieger) at the 25th Independent Spirit Awards.