Horror films are
about clever ideas and solid execution. Even with bad acting or little else to
praise, a small horror movie can be effective if it manages to touch upon a
universal fear. In Fear has a simple
set-up that is relatable and extremely effective, despite very little feeling
original about it by the time the credits have rolled. It is essentially Funny Games set in a car, relying on an
atmosphere of dread rather than blood and gore.
New couple Tom
(Iain De Caestecker) and Lucy (Alice Englert) are on the way to a music
festival when they decide to spend their first night together in a romantic
hotel in the remote Irish countryside. Tom has made all of the arrangements,
but their attempts to reach the hotel are all in vain. Despite numerous signs
for their final destination posted along the confusing country roads, Tom and
Lucy are unable to find their way.
As the day turns into night and their
vehicle threatens to run out of fuel before they can find civilization, Tom and
Lucy become increasingly panicked. The situation is made worse when it becomes
clear that someone is playing games with them, tormenting them with threats of
violence and abduction. Unable to know why they are under attack or how many
attackers are pursuing them in the wilderness, the situation becomes
increasingly tense for the couple. While they first attempting to remain
composed for the sake of a new relationship, fear inevitably turns them against
each other in their panic and paranoia. Rational viewers may find the bad
decisions made by Tom and Lucy frustrating, though the plot set-up doesn’t
provide many options for our protagonists/victims.
Even with an ending that tends to
fall apart upon further examination, In Fear is a solid independent horror film
from director Jeremy Lovering. The Blu-ray includes a behind-the-scenes
featurette.
Entertainment Value:
8/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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