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In Fear

In Fear

Don’t fear the dark, fear what it hides.

201385 minRMidcredits score: 26th percentile of all films
Director
Jeremy Lovering
Starring
Alice Englert, Iain De Caestecker, Allen Leech

Driving to a music festival in Ireland, a young couple gets trapped in a country maze on their way to a remote hotel, where an unidentifiable sinister force torments them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch In Fear?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists In Fear streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about In Fear?

In Fear earns 3 badges, led by Breakout role and Unsettling.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is In Fear worth watching?

In Fear's Midcredits score is the 26th percentile of all films, from 21K ratings across 6 sources. 28% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

26th percentile

Better received than 26% of films

69th percentile among Horror27th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)35th
Approval (how many liked it)20th

57 /100

35th percentile of all films

80th percentile among Horror37th percentile among 2010s

Critics 66 · Audience 56

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

28% liked it

20th percentile of all films

59th percentile among Horror19th percentile among 2010s
28% rated it 7–1072% rated it 1–6

Critics 81% · Audience 41%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

79th percentile

21K ratings across platforms

78th percentile among Horror80th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$275K

43rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a well-made, low-budget thriller that builds tension effectively, but fans find the ambiguity and creepy atmosphere gripping while detractors find the lack of answers and resolution unsatisfying.

Fans praised

  • taut direction and skillfully modulated editing wring maximum suspense from multi-camera set-ups
  • builds genuine tension and creepiness through skilled editing, sound design, and score
  • strong cast and eerie atmosphere create a claustrophobic, gripping experience

Detractors panned

  • pointless, motivation-free film that just goes around in circles
  • characters are stupid, reacting only to the needs of the script, not believable
  • unexplained plot events and no real climactic ending

What stands out

Atmosphere80

creepy, claustrophobic mood in the car and dark roads

Cinematography78

lovely, claustrophobic camera work and lighting

TensionDivisive75

genuinely spooky and suspenseful build-up, though it fizzles

Acting70

mostly good performances from the small cast

PacingDivisive65

strong start and build-up, but runs out of ideas

Characters45

thin, reactive characters, not fleshed out

Plot and storyDivisive40

good premise but unexplained events and no payoff

Ending30

pointless, 'you'll never know' ending that leaves many unsatisfied

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is In Fear like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you unsettled.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its horror premise with complete earnestness, generating tension through atmospheric dread and sustained threat.
The rideThe mood shifts from mounting dread to sustained high tension, with the heaviest emotional weight coming late as the central horror is revealed and Lucy faces Max alone.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological progression from arrival to pursuit to climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe ambiguous ending and the grim fate of Tom leave a lingering unease about the inescapable stalker.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA couple driving to a remote hotel becomes lost and is hunted by a masked stalker, with the chase and survival as the core of the story.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalDeception · 9% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on a couple's desperate struggle to survive against a stalker in a labyrinthine rural landscape, while trust is undermined by a betrayer.
StanceThe film uses the horror scenario to warn about vulnerability in isolated places and to caution against naively trusting strangers.

The world

ContemporaryRuralWildernessRealistic
ElectronicAmbientSupportive music · original score · Daniel Pemberton
Settingremote Irish countryside roads and abandoned woodland
MusicThe score shifts from minimal electronic pulses to more aggressive textures as the threat escalates.

Content guide

Is In Fear okay for kids?

R

In Fear is rated R: “Rated R for some disturbing violent content and terror, and for language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). Its language and drug and alcohol content have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 27% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 54% of all filmsHeavier than 27% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 27%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 11%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does In Fear have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in In Fear?

Cast

Alice Englert
as Lucy
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Iain De Caestecker
as Tom
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Allen Leech
as Max
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like In Fear?

Movies like In Fear include Eden Lake (2008), Passenger (2026) and Greta (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about psychopaths, and most are stories about a predator on the loose.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with In Fear?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: survival thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.