The year 2022 saw a slew of horror films, such asSmile, and mystery thrillers, likeThe Pale Blue Eyes, but fans are always eager for more as the new year approaches. While the following year appears to be promising for horror enthusiasts, there is one more film to keep an eye on, as it could be among thebest horror films of 2023.
Fear, the upcoming American psychological horror film, may live up to its title despite being shot on a minimal budget, thanks to its captivating blend of eerie atmosphere and solid production values.
The film was directed by Deon Taylor and stars well-known actors such as Joseph Sikora, Ruby Modine, and Annie Illozeh. With the subtitle “Your Mind is the Trap,” the film seems to follow the traditional teenage horror trope, but it also reminds viewers ofclassic horror filmssuch asWrong TurnandNobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming horror flickFear.
Fear: The Plot
Fear, the highly anticipated horror film, follows a group of friends who plan a relaxing weekend away from their hectic and stressful work lives. They open up to each other by expressing their deepest fears as they choose a cabin deep in the woods to spend their weekend. While everyone admits to their concerns, each with a different phobia, their nightmare is only beginning.
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Unfortunately, their much-anticipated getaway weekend is turning into a nightmare as an airborne and contagious threat begins to manifest their greatest fears in front of them. While one fights their fear of drowning, another tries to escape their claustrophobia, and yet another appears to beexperiencing hallucinationsinvolving blood. In any case, the group of friends had not anticipated meeting such unexpected circumstances on their planned weekend. Can they conquer their fears and make it out alive? Or will they give up in the face of an unknown enemy?
The story seems to focus more on psychological issues than horror, but the trailer does indicate the potential for a fewjump scaresand twists. On top of that, it seems like a well-rounded ensemble was chosen, and the writing will be crucial in making the film engaging.
Fear: The Cast & Crew
The film, unlike many others, does not have a single lead actor or actress but instead focuses on a group of friends. As a result, Annie Ilonzeh, Joseph Sikora, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Andrew Bachelor, Jessica Allain, Tyler Abron, and T.I. are portrayed as friends attempting to enjoy their weekend away. Annie will play Rom’s girlfriend, Bianca, whereas Joseph will play Rom. While the former is most recognized for his roles in films likeGhost WorldandJack Reacher, the latter appeared inArrowas Laurel Lance’s coworker Joanna andPeppermintas FBI Agent Lisa Inman.
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Iddo Goldberg will play Michael, who appears to suffer from claustrophobia, and Jessica Allain will play Meg, who has visions of drowning. Iddo has appeared in several well-known films and television shows, includingSnowpiercer,Peaky Blinders,Supergirl, andSalem. Jessica, on the other hand, is a rising actress most recognized for her performances inTexas Chainsaw Massacre,The Laundromat, andThe Honor List. Terrence Jenkins, known for his roles inEntourage,Think Like a Man, andBurlesque, will play the character of Russ, who has a morbid phobia of blood.
While we’ve already seen the majority of the cast in the trailer, let’s take a closer look at the production team. As previously stated, the film was directed by Deon Taylor, who is known in the industry as a prolific writer, producer, and filmmaker with works such asMeet the Blacks,Traffik,Supremacy, andBlack and Blue.
Meanwhile, director Deon Taylor and screenwriter John Ferry collaborated on the film’s script. They previously worked onBlack and Bluetogether, and given how well the direction and scripting went, we can assume the movie is in good hands. Emmy-winning composer Geoff Zanelli, who scored the music forPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,Into the West,Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, andOutlander, will be bringing his talents to the screen once again as the film’s composer.
Release Date
Fearwill be released in theaters worldwide on August 13, 2025.
Everything Else We Know
AlthoughFearwill be released in the first month of 2023, the film wasshot in 17 daysin Kyburz, California, in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film wasinitially titledDon’t Fearbut was renamedFearin August 2021 after being planned for Valentine’s Day in 2022. However, due to a few setbacks, the Hidden Empire Film Group pushed back the release date again. Fortunately, the movie has already been distributed by the company, so there will be no further delays.
