Cape Fear is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name. The film stars Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, and Juliette Lewis in leading roles.
The story revolves around Max Cady (Robert De Niro), a recently released convict seeking revenge on his former defense attorney, Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), who he believes deliberately mishandled his case, leading to his imprisonment.
Cady, a menacing and manipulative criminal, begins to stalk and terrorize Bowden’s family in increasingly violent and psychological ways. As Cady’s harassment escalates, Bowden and his wife Leigh (Jessica Lange), along with their teenage daughter Danielle (Juliette Lewis), find themselves in a horrifying battle for survival.
Bowden must confront his moral dilemmas and past mistakes as he struggles to protect his family from Cady’s relentless pursuit. Cape Fear is renowned for its intense performances, especially De Niro’s chilling portrayal of Max Cady, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
The film builds suspense through its dark atmosphere, complex character dynamics, and themes of justice, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Scorsese’s direction and its gripping storyline make Cape Fear stand out in the thriller genre.