Jeremy Lovering’s In Fear is an atmospheric and absorbing horror-thriller. A fantastic debut from the writer-director.
Tom invites Lucy, a girl he has been seeing for two weeks, along to a music festival in Ireland. Before they get to the venue, Tom has booked a hotel for the evening. The couple set out to find their way to the hotel…
In Fear works successfully as a horror film as it is able to maintain tension for its duration. The film generates atmosphere thanks to the setting, sound and Lovering’s direction.
The film functions effectively to hold the viewer’s interest. In Fear sets up the narrative so that it is difficult to tell where the film will go. There is a sense of menace from early in the film, but Lovering keeps the audience guessing as to the threat.
The shoestring budget works to In Fear‘s favour. The minimal settings add to the sense of claustrophobia that builds as the film progresses. Part of In Fear‘s success is the fact that it effectively marries the feeling of claustrophobia with that of isolation. The dynamic between these two fears is exploited to a good degree.
The final act of the film marks a step up in momentum. The film does well to balance atmosphere with more action-heavy sequences than previously depicted. The finale of the film is fitting given the themes played with up until this point.
Jeremy Lovering direction works well to situate the audience with the protagonist. There are plenty of close ups, which do not allow viewers to escape the situation. Similarly, the sound succeeds in generating the unnerving atmosphere. Performances from Iain De Caestecker and Alice Englert are great. Both appear incredibly authentic in their growing frustration and fear.
In Fear is a finely executed film. It will be interesting to see what Jeremy Lovering does next.
In Fear is in UK cinemas from Friday 15th November 2013.
I Heart The Talkies 