Primal Fear (1996) Thriller Drama Mystery Crime

Rated R | Threatrical Apr 03, 1996 (US) | Genres Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime | Runtime 2h 09m
Primal Fear (1996) Thriller Drama Mystery Crime Poster

Primal Fear Plot Synopsis:

When a young man, Aaron, is charged with the horrific murder of Archbishop Rushman, hot-shot Chicago lawyer Martin Vail takes on his defense at no charge. Aaron was a homeless street kid before he was taken in by the Archbishop. He's shy and speaks with a stammer. Vail is convinced that Aaron is innocent but after discovering a video that shows Aaron may have had good reason to want the Archbishop dead, he begins to question that conclusion. When Aaron lashes out at the psychologist examining him another personality, Roy, is revealed. With the trial already underway, Vail cannot change Aaron plea and so has to find a way to introduce his client's condition. Aaron has something of a surprise for him as well.


Synopsis / Plot Summary: An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.

Tagline: Sooner or later a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.

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Official Trailer

  • Primal Fear Official Trailer

Primal Fear Movie Information:

Type: Movie
Year: 1996 (more 1996 movies)
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 129 minutes /
Genres:  Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime
Directors: Gregory Hoblit
Stars: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand … (cast list)
Release Date: Theatrical Release Date Apr 03, 1996
Box Office: $56,116,183
Awards: 10
Nominations: 12
Language: English, Spanish
Country: United States
Release Dates: Movie Release Dates / Primal Fear Release Dates In Theaters: Apr 03, 1996
Writers: William Diehl, Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman
Producers: Patricia Graf, Hawk Koch, Gary Lucchesi, Robert McMinn, Arnold Rudnick
Editors: David Rosenbloom
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