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In Fear Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Iain De Caestecker, Alice Englert, Allen Leech
  • Director: Jeremy Lovering
  • Format: Blu-ray, NTSC, Widescreen
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: Spanish
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: R (Restricted)
  • Studio: ANCHOR BAY
  • Release Date: March 11, 2014
  • Run Time: 85 minutes


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            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

    Special Features: 4.5/10


     

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