Review of Prime Video’s New Series “Fear”
When it comes to TV thrillers, I usually steer clear of the “that would never happen in real life” mentality. After all, most of what we see on screen stretches the bounds of reality, and that’s precisely what makes for engaging drama. However, Fear, Prime Video’s new three-part series, takes this notion to an extreme, venturing into territory that feels implausible even for the most lenient viewer.
The story begins with a couple, Martyn (played by Martin Compston of Line of Duty fame) and Rebecca (Anjli Mohindra from Vigil), who move into a stunningly large home in Glasgow with their two young children. Initially, life seems picturesque: architect Martyn is on the verge of securing a tender to design a local arts centre, they’ve relocated from the hectic pace of London, and their downstairs neighbor, Jan (Solly McLeod from Tom Jones), appears to be a kind, albeit somewhat reserved, man who happens to be an excellent cook. However, the idyllic facade begins to crumble when Jan misinterprets Rebecca’s friendly demeanor as romantic interest.
Things take a turn for the unsettling when, while hanging laundry outside, Jan comments on how he “bets she looks good in those” and later leaves roses in Rebecca’s hallway accompanied by a love letter. Infuriated, Martyn confronts Jan in a loud and aggressive manner, demanding that he stop his inappropriate behavior. What follows is a dramatic spiral into chaos, as Jan reacts poorly to rejection and begins fabricating serious accusations against the family. He claims to the police that he can hear his upstairs neighbors sexually abusing their children—a troubling assertion that escalates the tension.
This is where Fear descends into a realm of absurdity. It remains ambiguous whether Jan genuinely believes his outlandish accusations or if they stem purely from a desire for revenge. At one point, he implies that he is “triggered” by certain situations and his backstory reveals he was adopted as a child. However, this attempt at providing depth only arrives too late in the narrative and fails to mitigate the gravity of his actions. Shockingly, the show neglects to adequately explore how these severe allegations impact Martyn and Rebecca; the couple’s emotional turmoil is merely brushed over, reduced to a few school meetings that barely capture the stakes involved.
Martyn’s character is the most developed in the series, carrying his own tragic history. He lost his sister to cancer years earlier, leading to a strained relationship with his father (played by James Cosmo), a gun-toting army veteran. This backstory, while tragic, feels out of place against the absurdity surrounding him, particularly when Martyn entertains the idea of spending the night with another woman while on a work trip, which contradicts his portrayal as a devoted family man.
The series is rife with nonsensical distractions that detract from its potential. Despite the implausible plot, the performances are commendable. Compston brings a reliable emotional depth, often portraying raw anger, while McLeod attempts to add layers to Jan, steering him away from being a mere caricature.
Ultimately, Fear squanders a solid premise surrounding the terrifying implications of false accusations. Instead of delving deeper into the psychological complexities and societal implications, the series meanders through irrelevant subplots and characters, culminating in a laughable conclusion. In a landscape teeming with thrillers, this one fails to leave a mark.
“Fear” is currently streaming on Prime Video.
