W2TCH

In Fear (2013)

2013 • 1h 25m • Thriller • R
On September 27, 2026
#22664▲ 21421
22664th by Pulse movie online
21.9PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

John Chard on In Fear

9/10 · Oct 30, 2015

I wasn’t really shocked to discover that there was a lot of negative buzz online about Jeremy Lovering's "In Fear." It’s the kind of film that can spark heated discussions within the horror genre, disappointing those seeking jump scares or gore while still offering enjoyment for others. If you’ve already seen it and disliked it, then this review probably isn’t for you; I’m writing from the perspective of someone who enjoyed it and hopes to persuade anyone who hasn't to give it a try. A couple in the early stages of dating are driving through rural Ireland on their way to a music festival. After an uncomfortable stop at a local pub, they continue their journey and become lost. As darkness descends and they seem to be going around in circles, they begin to feel threatened by someone or some people unknown and unseen... Anyone who’s ever been lost in unfamiliar territory knows it's unsettling, especially when night falls. "In Fear" puts two young characters (played wonderfully by Iain De Caestecker & Alice Englert, who seem very natural) into just such a situation. They are only two weeks into their relationship and don't really know each other well; so, when things become tense and frightening, they’re naturally uncomfortable around each other and unsure how to react—which is constantly unclear. Two people in a car in the countryside shouldn’t be scary, but it is because of the mounting tension. Small incidents occur, suggesting an outside force at work, while the once-pleasant scenery transforms into a menacing backdrop, with the sound design amplifying the protagonists' anxiety. Then another person gets involved and things become even more confusing, but the film’s minimalist approach only intensifies the suspense. This isn’t groundbreaking horror; it feels somewhat forced in places, but all of the fears presented are easy to understand. Both the frightening situation and the awkwardness of a first date! It's filmed with style by Lovering and his cinematographer David Katznelson, using tight close-ups and clever use of shadows on the country roads to increase the tension. All that’s left is the ending, which will either frustrate or confuse you, or perhaps earn your admiration for its audacity. 9/10

Source on TMDB