THE FEARWAY (2023)

THE FEARWAY (2023)

Tagline: Death comes fast.

(Thriller, Drama, We’ve Gotta Get Off This Road) [R]

In this one, Sarah and Michael are on their way to see Sarah’s dad who does not have much time left to live. In the middle of the desert, they hit something, but when they get out to check to see what it was, there is nothing there. It soon becomes clear that something is chasing them and there is no escape. 

First off, this thing is getting pegged as being a horror flick, but I really didn’t get that out of it although I can see why some would take it that way. I would call this a thriller along the lines of something you might see in a really long episode of the Twilight Zone. If you do not know what the Twilight Zone is, stop reading my reviews and go watch a bunch of episodes. Your life will actually improve a little. Then, of course, come back and finish reading the review.

This film is expertly crafted and might be one of the best films out there this year. Just in the way of just being a superbly constructed soul-bender that reaches deep into the recesses of mortality and faith. This is done in such a subtle way that it’s possible the makers of the film weren’t even intending to make this as gripping as it is on a spiritual level. They are kind of billing it as DUEL meets JEEPERS CREEPERS, but if you are coming into this expecting that you are going to be wildly disappointed. It does have aspects of both films in the sense that it happens on a freeway and a male and female are being chased, but after that, the similarities end. 

What makes this thing work is the convincing and incredible performances from Shannon Dalonzo and Justin Gordon (AGE OF THE LIVING DEAD). Dalonzo has only been acting since 2019 and I honestly feel like it would be nuts if she doesn’t start landing jobs left and right after this one. Justin has been doing well on the B-movie circuit, but this thing doesn’t present like a B-movie. John D. Hickman (JIU JITSU) is solid in this as Bus Boy. I was expecting someone younger in the role, but he pulls this off. Jessica Gray is also very good as the waitress. It should also be noted that Simon Phillips (FORTRESS) stands out as well as The Manager. This was her first acting role ever, so overall they did a great job of getting the most out of everyone involved. 

The score is extremely effective and even though it becomes clear what is going on a bit earlier than I would have liked to have had it revealed, the setup and delivery are wildly effective. It’s one of those films that grabs you right off the bat and that brings you into the lives of this couple via their reactions to what is going on. It brings to life the reality of say having a really tense situation come up and still not abandoning hope or the one you love regardless of how things go down. It’s honestly one of the few films I have seen recently that sort of celebrates relationships but does it in such a way that it's really just the underlying theme in an emotionally engaging film. 

I am not going to give away any spoilers, but this movie is off the beaten path in its storytelling without relying on gore or jump scares or anything we might not see in one of the better episodes of The Twilight Zone as I mentioned earlier. This one isn’t really for kids, but it will speak to a very wide audience if they give it a chance.

THE FEARWAY gets a solid 6 out of 7. This was the biggest sleeper of the year so far and to be honest it wasn’t even on my radar till I saw the trailer looking for something else. 

GRAPHICS ARE THE PROPERTY OF DYSTOPIAN FILMS AND ARE USED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY.