Story Line
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.
“Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.”
Top Cast
Richard Gere
Martin Vail
Laura Linney
Janet Venable
Edward Norton
Aaron/Roy Stampler
John Mahoney
Shaughnessy
Alfre Woodard
Shoat
Frances McDormand
Molly
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Rating
7.7/ 10
Release Date
1996-04-03
Runtime
2h 10m
Genres
CrimeDramaMysteryThriller
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User Reviews (11)
CinemaSerf
7/10
•6/30/2022I was never the greatest fan of Richard Gere, but this is certainly one of his better performances. He is cocky lawyer "Vail", adept at ensuring his criminal fraternity clients evade justice. When the shocking news that an archbishop has been savagel...
RalphRahal
8/10
•12/14/2024Primal Fear is a masterclass in tension, turning a courtroom drama into a high-stakes thriller under Gregory Hoblit’s sharp direction.
Then there’s Edward Norton, in his very first role, who makes such an impression it’s no surprise he went on to ...
JPV852
7/10
•9/22/2025Solid 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 go...
JPV852
7/10
•9/22/2025Solid 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 go...