FEAR Review: A Tense And Well Done Indie Survival Film

Release date: June 15, 2021
Running time: 102 minutes
Directed By: Geoff Resiner and Jason Tobias
Written By: Jason Tobias
Starring: Marci Miller, Jason Tobias, Justin Dray, Danny Druiz, and Cece Kelly

Set in the desolate regions of Pacific Northwest where a young family faces a group of bandits who steal the last of their supplies; with time running out, they must form an alliance with the outlaws to protect their children.

FEAR has a great, mysterious setup that does not reveal much at the start.  That being said, it does a good job of setting up this family and their plight.  The film doesn't tell you much but reveals just enough so that you have an idea of what is happening.  And this sense of uncertainty is a great way to keep the viewers on edge as we learn more about the world and its predicament.  And what FEAR does really well is create a good, post apocalyptic setting.  This starts with the house that the family is staying in, which looks like it is crumbling around them.  From drywall that ripping apart, to newspapers and boards over the windows, to exposed insulation, it really feels like a place that is about to collapse.  And the wilderness itself is barren and desolate, which adds to the feeling of hopelessness that the family has.  It is a smart setup and a great way to stretch the indie budget, which FEAR does quite well. 

FEAR also has a smart use of effects, with an emphasis on make up and practical effects.  There appear to be some CG sequences, like the snow, some of the fire effects, and some blood, but overall the film doesn't distract you as you are going into this world.  And the story of FEAR will keep you engaged as it starts off wholesome enough, but turns sinister quickly as the family becomes more and more desperate for supplies.  I like how it kept adding new obstacles and revelations as it goes on, with subtle flashbacks to the time before the world shut down giving insights into their previous lives.  And these flashbacks are usually related to the events that are happening.  

FEAR does have a few minor issues, such as antagonists that seem too quick to anger and some very poor decision making by some of the characters.  And although the effects are good, there are a few instances where they are noticeable.  Not enough to distract too much but enough to make it seem like something wasn't right.  And although the world is mysterious, there are some items that just did not make much sense.  Maybe there is more backstory somewhere else, but there were some aspects of the zombie apocalypse that were almost arbitrary.  But overall, FEAR is just a well done indie thriller that doesn't try to do too much and tells an engaging and nail biting story.

FEAR's great setting, interesting characters, and tense situations tell an engaging and nail-biting story of survival and family. 

Rent it.

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FEAR is available digitally and on demand on June 15, 2021.  

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