Fear Is the Key
Performance & Direction: Fear Is the Key Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
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?
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
Top Cast: Fear Is the Key
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Where to Watch Fear Is the Key Online?
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Fandango At HomeFear Is the Key Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about Fear Is the Key age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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.
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
I can only assume they changed the story somewhat from the book because I can’t imagine Alastair MacLaine writing a story with so may plot holes and instances where people who interacted with the hero (?) did so many dumb things. It starts with a scene that seems to have nothing to do with the main body of the plot once that gets going, so that is a rather heavy handed giveaway that the scene is in fact a segue containing the explanation for what is to follow, thus giving away to me at least a major plot twist. Ands when the action does begin, it does so with a seemingly endless chase scene involving half of the police cars in Louisiana, the drivers of which apparently didn’t have radio contact as they never coordinated their efforts but just lined up in polite single file to be disabled or driven into deep water. But I will stop describing the plot here, so as not to give too much more away, as well as not to establish the admission that I watched most of this stinker.
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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.










