Jack, a writer, lives alone in his darkly-lit flat with a knife on him at all times. Researching serial killers for a book has left the cripplingly bankrupt writer with a phobia of being murdered and of murderers themselves, as well as led to the resurfacing of many of his childhood phobias, some of which include the fear of launderettes. However, it turns out that his fear of launderettes is justified after he finds himself in a literal life and death situation after a visit to the launderette goes awry…
I liked “A Fantastic Fear of Everything” more than I thought I would. It feels like a rollercoaster ride through the mind of its frenzied protagonist, who is constantly burdened by phobia(s) and anxiety, until certain twists in the tale (which you won’t see coming) force him to face up to them.
The film is rather well-paced and ends up keeping viewers hooked and intrigued throughout. My favourite scenes in particular are when the shell-shock Jack revives in the shower after discovering he’s somehow frozen his trusty knife to his hand (this plot point comes back into play later at the launderette in a scene that’s equal parts amusing and anxiety-inducing). It’s harrowing to watch as he desperately tries to free himself, ending up almost stabbing himself and one unfortunate curtain in the process, as well as the scene with his therapist, Dr. Friedkin, who does a masterful job of taking viewers on a literal walk through the depths of Jack’s dark forest-like mind. These scenes are a brilliant mix of hysteria and brief comedic moments with scary jump-scares thrown in, and will scare the bejesus out of you if you aren’t too careful.
Simon Pegg’s effortless performance as Jack is commendable. Jack is a character who is rather lovable (especially once you’ve seen him in a Paddington jacket) and easy to sympathize with since he lives his life constantly afraid of people, places, and things—and thinks his life is at peril at all times; although sometimes he’s absolutely right on the money in believing so. He is ably supported by Amara Karan, Paul Freeman, and others in limited roles.
I also loved the cinematography which made me feel quite unnerved; and, like Jack, I too felt an incessant need to jump up at everything on-screen. I also liked the opening sequence which was quite gothic—and Jack’s voiceover (he has a penchant for making his life sound like a Gothic horror novel) was also a nice addition, and keeps viewers engrossed to learn more about Jack and his many phobias and issues.
“A Fantastic Fear of Everything” is one of those movies that creeps up on you and keeps you up at night… But if you can handle all that, do give it a watch!
