The Fear

The Fear is an engrossing British crime drama series broadcasted on BBC in 2012. Brought to life by Richard Cottan and directed by Michael Samuels, this four-part mini-series strives to deliver a unique narrative focused on the visceral aspects of human fear, the crippling effects of mental health deterioration, along with diving deep into the world of organized crime.

The show revolves around the life of a Brighton-based crime boss, Richie Beckett, whose character is portrayed by the highly acclaimed actor, Peter Mullan. Mullan's commendable acting skills breathe life into Richie Beckett's complex tale. Beckett, once a fearsome and respected personality in his community, is experiencing a steady, disturbing decline in his mental health, which begins to affect his crime empire. Richie is troubled not just by encroaching rival gang figures but also by a deteriorating brain condition that spirals him into an alarming state of paranoia and confusion.

The narrative of The Fear is genuinely intriguing, intelligently interwoven between Beckett's reflection on his darker past and his struggle to keep control in the present. The series does an excellent job at keeping the viewers on edge by unraveling Beckett's downward spiral into insanity and the impact it has on his personal relationships, particularly with his two sons who are significantly involved in the family business.

The Fear's dealing with the theme of dementia is both terrifying and heart-rending. It highlights how the once-powerful and sharp-minded Beckett falls victim to the terrible disease, threatening his established authority in the crime world. The level of uncertainty further rises with the arrival of a new Albanian crime organization in Brighton. The timing heaps untoward pressures on Beckett's already chaotic life, setting the stage for a slew of events shrouded in suspense and mystery.

Adding more layers to the intriguing narrative are the performances by some talented cast members. This includes Richie's sons, Cal and Matty, portrayed brilliantly by Paul Nicholls and Harry Lloyd respectively. While Cal is seen struggling to fill in his father's shoes, Matty is a rampant drug-user, only pushing the family towards inevitable crisis. Demosthenes Chrysan brings a chilling realism to the narrative, playing Besnik, the cunning and ruthless Albanian gangster.

The Fear represents an extraordinarily fresh take on the conventional crime series, distorting the familiar territory with the haunting perspective of a protagonist falling deeper into mental confusion. When Brighton's picturesque seafront becomes the stage for violent gang wars, and an imposing patriarch loses his grip on reality, viewers are bound to get a thrilling viewing experience.

The cinematography of The Fear deserves a special mention for its contribution to the overall mood of the series. Through carefully chosen camera angles and clever use of lighting, it captures the essence of the narrative's unsettling atmosphere and complex character dynamics.

BBC's The Fear thrives on masterfully intermingling issues of power, corruption, shifting loyalties and reverberating fear with its exploration of a lesser-known yet highly impactful aspect of mental health – dementia. The series depicts how inner demons can be as frightening and destructive as the external, effectively blurring the lines between the past, present, and a foreseeable grim future.

The Fear is undeniably engrossing in its storytelling, having a tight grip over its narrative arcs and an outstanding ensemble cast who delivers a riveting performance. The series approaches its crime narrative through a unique perspective, making it a standout addition to the plethora of crime dramas. It is a gripping watch that will leave viewers mulling over the horrifying yet real issues it presents. For fans of character-driven crime dramas with an authentic representation of human struggles, The Fear becomes a must-watch. But be warned, as the title suggests, expect to confront fear in its raw form while traversing the turmoil in Richie Beckett's life.