The Fear
The Fear is a five-part television drama produced by Thames Television subsidiary Euston Films for ITV. Broadcast from 17 February to 16 March 1988, the serial follows Carl Galton, the enterprising leader of a criminal gang running a protection racket in North London. Young and ambitious, Galton represents a new breed of criminal who seeks to expand his underworld empire and takes on the old East End firms. 1980s materialism clashes with old school London villainy as Galton rises to power, yet his ruthlessness carries a personal cost, especially on his wife Linda and best friend Marty.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Sarah, inherits a sprawling estate and discovers it is haunted by a malevolent entity. As the spirit's influence grows, it begins to possess people around her, twisting their personalities and turning them into instruments of its terror. Sarah must uncover the estate's dark past and find a way to banish the entity before it consumes her and everyone she cares about.
Critical Reception
The Fear (1988) was met with a generally negative reception from critics, who often cited its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. While some appreciated its attempts at atmospheric horror, the film was largely seen as a forgettable entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Critics found the film to be predictable and lacking in genuine scares.
- The acting was often criticized as uninspired.
- The plot offered little originality within the horror genre.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Fear' was mixed to negative, with many viewers finding it to be a slow-paced and unoriginal horror film. Some appreciated the underlying concept but felt the execution fell short, leading to disappointment.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in rural Pennsylvania, with the estate itself playing a significant role in establishing the movie's eerie atmosphere.
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