When young couple Lucy (Alice Englert) and Tom (Iain De Casetecker) go on their first getaway as couple, they couldn’t be happier. The trip starts out as fun and romantic, but things take a turn for the worst. Upon taking a wrong turn, the young couple soon find themselves lost among the back roads, and eventually hunted by an unseen figure. Their relationship is soon put to the test as the stakes and tension begin to rise.
The film gives off element of horror films such as Wolf Creek and The Hitcher, but what sets this apart from these two is its slow burn and the fear of the unknown. The film spends a good deal of time with the audience getting to know and care for these characters on their journey. By the time things begin to escalate, we are hoping the couple makes it through their adventure alive, as well as their relationship intact. When things begin to pick up, it never lets go, and it all builds up and tension-filled thrill ride of a last 20 minutes when the couple is put to the ultimate test. One thing to also be noted is the amazing camera work done. It features many excellent camera angles and shots that really put is into the scene with the characters. On top this, the setting also provides a lot of the terror in feeling just as lost as the two leads, not knowing what lies around every corner or in the darkness.
Alice Englert and Iain De Caestecker carry the whole film on their own, and they do an excellent job of it. At the start of the film, they really draw the viewer in to their relationship, but when they are thrust into the terror, you can see the tension and fear rising between them, and in the actors themselves. Englert is the most noteworthy of the two by showing great range as an up and coming star. She provides us with a sweet girl who’s thrown into a situation she finds herself stuck and eventually has to question her morals, and find the will to survive. Ultimately she gives us a strong female lead worth rooting for.
In Fear may be very familiar, but it’s an excellent slow burner of a tension filled psychological horror film. Easily the best of this genre I’ve seen in a while. All backed up by its atmosphere, setting, camera work, and great performances by the lead.
–Cody Landman
