6.1
Mudhoney!
1965
“Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.”
Primal Fear (1996)
April 3, 19962h 10mEN
7.7
3.9K votes
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.
Director
Gregory HoblitWriters
Where to Watch
Streaming availability for India
Stream
Rent
Buy
Top Billed Cast
Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$30.0M
Revenue
$102.6M
Production Companies
Paramount PicturesRysher Entertainment
Movies Like Primal Fear
Recommended for You
6.2
Devil's Knot
2013
7.0
The Rainmaker
1997
6.8
The Outfit
1973
6.3
High Crimes
2002
6.7
Oliver Twist
2005
7.9
Just Mercy
2019
User Reviews
CinemaSerf
7.0I 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 pro-bono work to defend the young "Aaron" (Ed Norton) against the prosecuting skills of his ex-girlfriend "Janet" (Laura Linney). As the courtroom drama unfolds, though, we soon establish that there are undertones that call into question not just who did what to whom, but also the integrity of the vic…
Read full review →RalphRahal
8.0Primal 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 Best Supporting Actor. Playing Aaron, a timid altar boy with hidden depths. Richard Gere holds his own as the slick defense lawyer, Norton’s layered acting and the intense chemistry between them make this movie unforgettable. Primal Fear goes beyond a typical courtroom drama, serving up suspense, s…
Read full review →
JPV852
7.0Solid 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**