Glasgow is set to shine in a new light with the arrival of the psychological thriller series Fear on Prime Video. This gripping drama highlights the affluent West End of the Scottish city, unfolding within the walls of a stunning Victorian-built townhouse. Created by Mick Ford and inspired by the book penned by Dirk Kurbjuweit, the show features the talents of Martin Compston and Anjli Mohindra, who make a bold move from London to their new home, which quickly becomes a character in its own right. While Glasgow is often depicted as a gritty counterpart to the more polished Edinburgh, this series reveals a different, more serene aspect of the city. However, the idyllic family life in such beautiful surroundings is soon disrupted by an unsettling neighbor, leading to a series of harrowing events.
What is Fear about?
Martyn (Martin Compston) and Rebecca (Anjli Mohindra) are eager to start anew after relocating their family from London to Glasgow, accompanied by their two young children. They occupy four stories of a five-story townhouse situated near the scenic Kelvingrove Park, while the basement flat is owned separately. Initially, their new home seems like a perfect haven until their neighbor, Jan (Solly McLeod), begins to make disturbing comments directed at Rebecca. As tension rises, it becomes clear that they are on the brink of something far more menacing. When faced with accusations that strike fear into every parent’s heart, Martyn and Rebecca find themselves in a precarious situation, feeling abandoned by the authorities and left with nowhere to turn.
Who is in the Fear cast?
Martin Compston
Martin Compston takes on the role of Martyn Berwick, the devoted husband and father. The talented Scottish actor, now 40, is widely recognized for his portrayal of DS Steve Arnott in the acclaimed police drama Line of Duty. His impressive resume also includes roles in Monarch of the Glen, The Great Train Robbery, Traces, Vigil, and The Rig. On the big screen, Compston has appeared in notable films such as The Damned United, Mary Queen of Scots, and The Aftermath.
Anjli Mohindra
Anjli Mohindra shines as Rebecca Berwick, Martyn’s supportive wife and mother of their two children. The 35-year-old English actress gained fame for her role as Rani Chandra in The Sarah Jane Adventures. She has also played significant roles in The Lazarus Project, Vigil, Bodyguard, and Wild Bill.
Solly McLeod
Solly McLeod portrays the unsettling neighbor, Jan Boyd, who resides in the basement flat. At just 25, the Orkney-born actor has made a mark with his role as Joseph Wyatt in The Rising and has also appeared in House of the Dragon as Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, along with a part in the ITV series Tom Jones. He has recently appeared in films such as William Tell and Last Swim.
James Cosmo
James Cosmo plays Allan Berwick, Martyn’s father. The esteemed Scottish actor, aged 77, boasts an impressive career with appearances in iconic films like Highlander, Braveheart, Trainspotting, Emma, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Wonder Woman. On television, he has been featured in Take the High Road, The Sharp End, Roughnecks, Soldier, Soldier, and Game of Thrones.
The supporting cast includes:
- Maureen Beattie as Eileen Lyle (Casualty, Taggart, The Bill)
- Daniel Portman as Brian Berwick (Game of Thrones, Vigil)
- Anneika Rose as Anne Dias (Line of Duty, Shetland)
- Bhav Joshi as David (The Diplomat, Granite Harbour)
- Kim Allan as Alice (The Devil’s Hour, Guilt)
- Adam McNamara as PC Brown (Outlander, Slow Horses)
- Charlie Duncan as PC Kinnick (The Winter King)
Where is Fear filmed?
While the narrative of the original book is set in Germany, the series Fear was filmed entirely in the vibrant city of Glasgow, located in the southwest of Scotland. The focal point of the series is a house in the Park Circus area of Kelvingrove, a prestigious neighborhood. The story follows the family’s transition from a London residence to a five-story property with views of Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow’s West End. Compston shared with the Radio Times that while the setting might seem like just a house, it plays an integral role in the story. He expressed how fascinating it was to explore the multiple levels of the house, which adds depth to the narrative. He remarked, “They’ve mortgaged themselves up to the hills to buy this beautiful, four-storey house but still couldn’t get the whole building.”
Compston reminisced about his school trips to the Kelvingrove art gallery, often wondering about the lives of the residents in those grand homes, many of whom were Celtic and Rangers players. He humorously noted the challenge of filming intense scenes while spotting familiar faces out walking their dogs. The house undoubtedly serves as a crucial element in the unfolding drama.
How many episodes are there?
Fear consists of three gripping episodes, making it a concise yet impactful psychological thriller series available on Prime Video. The entire series was released on Tuesday, March 4, and is accessible to subscribers of Amazon Prime Video, which offers a monthly subscription for £8.99, along with a 30-day free trial for new users.
