Primal Fear

1996, Crime/Mystery & thriller, 2h 9m

46 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Primal Fear is a straightforward yet entertaining thriller elevated by a crackerjack performance from Edward Norton. Read critic reviews

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Primal Fear Videos

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Crime, Mystery & thriller, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Gregory Hoblit
  • Producer:
    Gary Lucchesi, Robert McMinn
  • Writer:
    Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $56.1M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Paramount Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Stereo, Surround

Cast & Crew

Richard Gere
Martin Vail
Laura Linney
Janet Venable
Ed Norton
Aaron Stampler
John Mahoney
John Shaughnessy
Alfre Woodard
Judge Miriam Shoat
Frances McDormand
Dr. Molly Arrington
Terry O'Quinn
Bud Yancy
Andre Braugher
Tommy Goodman
Steven Bauer
Joey Pinero
Joe Spano
Capt. Abel Stenner
Tony Plana
Martinez
Stanley Anderson
Archbishop Richard Rushman
Maura Tierney
Naomi Chance
Jon Seda
Alex
Gregory Hoblit
Director
Gary Lucchesi
Producer
Robert McMinn
Producer
Hawk Koch
Executive Producer
Steve Shagan
Screenwriter
Ann Biderman
Screenwriter
James Newton Howard
Original Music
Michael Chapman
Cinematographer
David Rosenbloom
Film Editor
Deborah Aquila
Casting
Jane Shannon-Smith
Casting
Jeannine Oppewall
Production Design
William Arnold
Art Director
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Critic Reviews for Primal Fear

All Critics (46) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (11)

View All Critic Reviews (46)

Audience Reviews for Primal Fear

  • May 24, 2018
    Best romantic comedy I've seen in years. Richard Gere does it again.
    Spencer M Super Reviewer
  • Jun 10, 2016
    A pretty straightforward courtroom drama, with an astounding debut performance from Edward Norton and a great ending reveal.
    Peter B Super Reviewer
  • Mar 19, 2016
    Primal Fear is both disturbing and riveting, and the same goes for Edward Norton's over-the-top performance.
    Maymay A Super Reviewer
  • Nov 28, 2015
    Badly dated 90s courtroom thriller where lawyers do things they would never do and where schizophrenia is used as a plot twist in a totally unbelievable and medically ludicrous way. Edward Norton isn't nuanced enough to convince and Richard Gere is blander than usual, though it's nice to see the likes of Maura Tierney and Frances MacDormand pop up in supporting roles.
    Daniel P Super Reviewer
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