The tense crime procedural thriller has a twist in its last act that fails to do it justice.

| Original Score: B- | Sep 22, 2023

A presumably innocent man and a justice-seeking defense lawyer delve into a complex tangle of crime and murder in Primal Fear, a sometimes grating, sometimes invigorating courtroom drama mixed with investigative police procedural.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 12, 2022

A tense psychological thriller rich with shadowy menace and a sense of confidence that allows the impressive cast to shine.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 23, 2021

It's part trial procedural but mostly the suspenseful unraveling of testimony and the realization of lies.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 24, 2020

The part of the script that's dialogue instead of plot is quite snappy. So I believed in this sordid story... for a while.

| Mar 13, 2019

...a solid drama that's elevated on an all-too-consistent basis by Norton's impressively hypnotic work.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 7, 2011

Edward Norton became an instant star after making a splashy, Oscar-nominated performance in this well-executed horror thriller.

| Original Score: B+ | May 1, 2011

An unfolding mystery in which truth is elusive, and twists are the order of the day...gives Norton a career-making opportunity to strut his stuff. [Blu-ray]

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 19, 2009

its heroes only heroes because they believe in order and not because they're capable of order's championing or restoration.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 1, 2009

Helped greatly by excellent performances from both of the film's leads, as well as the rounded supporting cast.

| Mar 26, 2009

The plot is engaging, the cast is exceptional, and Hoblit moves things along in commendably straightforward fashion. Very entertaining.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Mar 5, 2009

Exhibits many of the genre's common weaknesses, but the fine acting of Edward Norton, Laura Linney and Richard Gere enables us to forgive them.

Full Review | Original Score: 75/100 | Feb 25, 2009

Unfortunately, Primal Fear hasn't aged well; there are wrinkles and pockmarks all over its face.

| Original Score: 40/100 | Dec 29, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 29, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 27, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 10, 2006

Ed Norton is out of this world in his break-out performance.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 25, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 21, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 28, 2005