Fear (1996)
Directed by James Foley
Nicole Walker always dreamed of being swept away by someone special — someone strong, sexy and sensitive who would care for her more than anything else in the world. David is all that and more: a modern-day knight who charms and seduces her, body and soul. But her perfect boyfriend is not all he seems to be. His sweet facade masks a savage, dark side that will soon transform Nicole's dream into a nightmare.
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7 films that influenced Fear
What critics say influenced Fear
In his first starring role as every girl's psychopathic dream date in "Fear," Wahlberg proves himself the spookiest sweetheart since Eric Roberts preyed on poor Mariel Hemingway in "Star 80."
The film, set in Seattle, begins very gloomily and ends well off the rails in Straw Dogs territory.
But it isn't long before the film reveals its true colors, as a teenage gender-bender "Fatal Attraction," taking its time to build to a violent finale that resonates both "Night of the Living Dead" and "The Last House on the Left."
Fear is a teen Fatal Attraction, and surprise it isn't bad.
With its mix of sexuality and psychosis, "Fear" is also a bit like "Fatal Attraction," and has the dead pet to prove it.
But it isn't long before the film reveals its true colors, as a teenage gender-bender "Fatal Attraction," taking its time to build to a violent finale that resonates both "Night of the Living Dead" and "The Last House on the Left."
Parents need to know that Fear is a "creepy boyfriend" thriller in the Cape Fear and Fatal Attraction mode, but geared toward teens.
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Likewise, Carter Burwell -- still one of Hollywood's most overlooked film composers despite scoring classics such as Miller's Crossing -- adds yet another solid soundtrack to his already impressive catalog, although his music here is all too often discarded in favor of dull alt/rock background filler.
Acting was his big ticket out, and the industry welcomed him with open arms, feeding him supporting work in "The Basketball Diaries" and "Renaissance Man," but the real test of Wahlberg's skill as a potential leading man arrived with 1996's "Fear."
A replay of Cape Fear for a teenage audience.
It plays as if Foley-and screenwriter Christopher Crowe-were trying to remake "Cape Fear" as a dating movie.
Parents need to know that Fear is a "creepy boyfriend" thriller in the Cape Fear and Fatal Attraction mode, but geared toward teens.