Movie Review: Fear (1996)

March 29, 2023

Written by Ella Rebecca Horton

Ella Rebecca has been in love with the horror genre since an early age. The Bride of Frankenstein began her love of the classics and she's been writing and collecting since.

Do you remember when suspense and terror used to be the mainstays of moviegoing? The seminal film, Fear (1996), managed to take those two ideas and craft a thrilling masterpiece that still stands out today. 

 

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, William Pettersen, Amy Brenneman, and Alyssa Milano; this psychological horror flick will draw you in from the very first scene. 

 

With tension being dialed up second-by-second throughout its runtime, it’s no surprise that Roger Ebert described Fear as “the most effective thriller of 1996.” Jump on board now as we explore why so many fans are still talking about this classic over 20 years later!

 

Overview of the movie Plot – Introducing the characters and setting

This film pits a teenage girl and her family against a charming yet psychotic guy who wants to become her boyfriend. The tension builds up as the story progresses, leading to a nail-biting climax. 

 

But what makes Fear special is the fantastic performances of its cast – Mark Wahlberg as the creepy yet seductive stalker, Reese Witherspoon as the vulnerable yet strong-willed protagonist, and William Petersen as her concerned father. Each actor brings their A-game, making the movie an intense and unforgettable experience. 

 

It’s great that now, with the development of technology, we have the choice of chatting with a stranger in a random video chat or going on a live date. However, online communication has one big advantage: it’s safe because your data is protected, so you don’t have to worry about being stalked after the meeting or about meeting a psychopath in real life, like the main character in the movie.

 

Steve Walker feels guilty for not raising his daughter, and now that Nicole is living with his new family after her mother’s death, he tries to re-establish a relationship with her. Nicole is at a difficult age – she is a teenager who always rebels, explodes for no clear reason, and takes everything with a vengeance.

 

But her father seems not to notice it: he is always busy with his work, and her stepmother Laura could not become a friend for the girl. After another quarrel with her father, Nicole goes to the disco with her school friend Margot. The shy girl’s attention is attracted by an older guy, David McCall: she admires his judgment, and is fascinated by his mannerliness and suave attitude towards her.

 

Soon Nicole introduces the boy to her family, and David wins the affection of Laura’s stepmother and her ten-year-old son Toby. The girl’s father awakens parental jealousy mixed with an inexplicable sense of foreboding: his daughter’s boyfriend seems perfect. Steve tries to get David to come clean, and the boy changes the clock in Walker’s office in retaliation for his excessive intrusiveness.

 

The man fails to poison an important document for work, and, taking advantage of a necessary trip into town, takes his wife with him. Nicole invites David over for the night, and in the morning the guy, jealous of her school friend, viciously beats Harry. The girl breaks off the relationship, but David can no longer be stopped because he considers Nicole his property.

 

How does it fit into the horror genre?

When analyzing the film, it’s easy to see why it’s been classified as a horror movie. From the suspenseful plot to the gruesome violence, Fear incorporates many of the quintessential horror movie elements that fans know and love. 

 

And while it may not be the quintessential horror film, Fear is a classic example of the genre and a must-see for those who love to be scared.

 

Development of each character

We get to see each character evolve and change throughout the film, making us feel invested in their journeys. 

 

David, played by Mark Wahlberg, goes from being a charming and sweet boyfriend to a possessive and obsessive partner. 

 

While Nicole, played by Reese Witherspoon, transforms from a rebellious teenager into a fierce and empowered young woman.

 

The film’s exploration of these characters’ psychological states will have you on the edge of your seat.

 

In conclusion

In summary, Fear is an intense and thrilling movie about a teenage girl’s experience with a dangerous love affair. Although the ending does not provide any concrete closure for the characters, it does leave the audience on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. 

 

Despite its age, Fear has managed to remain timeless and continues to draw crowds in theaters around the world. Its dark and heartfelt plot makes it both challenging to watch but also rewarding – a classic film that should not be overlooked. 

 

It is definitely worth a watch – so if you haven’t seen it yet be sure to check it out!

 

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