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United States
7.7 2h 10m

Primal Fear

"Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real."

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.

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Top Cast

  • Richard Gere

    Richard Gere

    Martin Vail

  • Laura Linney

    Laura Linney

    Janet Venable

  • Edward Norton

    Edward Norton

    Aaron/Roy Stampler

  • John Mahoney

    John Mahoney

    Shaughnessy

  • Alfre Woodard

    Alfre Woodard

    Shoat

  • Frances McDormand

    Frances McDormand

    Molly

  • Terry O'Quinn

    Terry O'Quinn

    Yancy

  • Andre Braugher

    Andre Braugher

    Goodman

  • Steven Bauer

    Steven Bauer

    Pinero

Overview

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

7.7 / 10
3,959 Reviews
6 Popular

11 Reviews

  • JPV852
    JPV852
    7 Sep 22, 2025

    Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

  • JPV852
    JPV852
    7 Sep 22, 2025

    Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

  • JPV852
    JPV852
    7 Sep 22, 2025

    Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

  • JPV852
    JPV852
    7 Sep 22, 2025

    Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

  • JPV852
    JPV852
    7 Sep 22, 2025

    Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**

  • Dr_Nostromo
    Dr_Nostromo
    9 Dec 20, 2025

    92/100 Easily included in my Top 5 Legal Thrillers of All Time, this is an exquisitely well-written story of Aaron, a young man who was present during the slaughter of an archbishop but insists he blacked out and doesn't remember anything. Looking for more fame, Attorney Martin Vail takes the case free. What follows is a fascinating ride that takes us though homicide, political corruption, sex abuse, gangsters, madness and a twist ending that is profound and shocking. Edward Norton is absolutely stellar as Aaron and everyone else is fantastic. Must see! -- DrNostromo.com

Trailers & Clips

Primal Fear (1996) Original Trailer [FHD]

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