Fear Is the Key

  • 1972
  • PG
  • 103m
movieMx RATING
5.8/1047
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Fear Is the Key Review

Last updated: February 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Fear Is the Key (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Fear Is the Key features a noteworthy lineup led by Barry Newman . Supported by the likes of Suzy Kendall and John Vernon , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Fear Is the Key (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Fear Is the Key stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Fear Is the Key

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, Fear Is the Key is a Action, Thriller film directed by Michael Tuchner. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barry Newman.

Ending Explained: Fear Is the Key

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Michael Tuchner, Fear Is the Key attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Barry Newman, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Fear Is the Key reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Fear Is the Key?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Action films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: Fear Is the Key

All Cast & Crew →
Barry Newman
Barry NewmanJohn Talbot
Suzy Kendall
Suzy KendallSarah Ruthven
Dolph Sweet
Dolph SweetJablonsky
Tony Anholt
Tony AnholtFBI Agent
Elliott Sullivan
Elliott SullivanJudge Mollison
John Alderson
John AldersonTanner (uncredited)
James Berwick
James Berwick(uncredited)
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Where to Watch Fear Is the Key Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Fear Is the Key Parents Guide & Age Rating

1972 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Fear Is the Key age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Fear Is the Key is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Fear Is the Key is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Fear Is the Key is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Fear Is the Key. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fear Is the Key worth watching?

Fear Is the Key is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Fear Is the Key parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Fear Is the Key identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Fear Is the Key?

The total duration of Fear Is the Key is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.

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Critic Reviews for Fear Is the Key

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.8
Fear Is the Key
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