Primal Fear
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Primal Fear

Primal Fear

7.7/ 10

TMDB Rating

3,841

Votes

IMDb

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1996

Release Year

130 min

Runtime

Crime
Drama
Mystery
Thriller

Overview

Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.

Keywords

chicago, illinois
death penalty
child abuse
corruption
based on novel or book
court case
court
psychopath
bishop
manipulation
pornographic video
lawyer
capital punishment
whodunit
psychiatrist
mental illness
taunting
murder trial
altar boy
courtroom drama
legal drama
legal thriller
suspenseful
harsh

Trailer

Images

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Reviews(5)

7.2avg rating
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

June 30, 2022

7
7/10

I was never the greatest fan of Richard Gere, but this is certainly one of his better performances. He is cocky lawyer "Vail", adept at ensuring his criminal fraternity clients evade justice. When the shocking news that an archbishop has been savagely murdered is announced, he decides on a bit of pr

Full review
R

RalphRahal

December 14, 2024

8
8/10

Primal Fear is a masterclass in tension, turning a courtroom drama into a high-stakes thriller under Gregory Hoblit’s sharp direction. Then there’s Edward Norton, in his very first role, who makes such an impression it’s no surprise he went on to win over 15 awards including a Golden Globe for Be

Full review
JPV852

JPV852

September 22, 2025

7
7/10

Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

JPV852

JPV852

September 22, 2025

7
7/10

Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

JPV852

JPV852

September 22, 2025

7
7/10

Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

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