🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release year: 1978
- Runtime (length): 1h 58min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (18K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dad is really mad that his son can make people explode with his mind, so he teams up with a girl who’s also good at making people explode to… stop his son from exploding people?
🍿 The Fury: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Setup and Kidnapping
Peter Sandza, a former CIA agent, is enjoying a vacation with his telekinetic son, Robin, when they are attacked. The attack is orchestrated by Peter’s colleague, Ben Childress, who seeks to exploit Robin’s powers for a shadowy government agency. Peter believes Robin is dead, while Robin is taken captive by Childress. The opening scene sets the stage for a desperate rescue mission, fueled by betrayal and supernatural abilities.

Gillian’s Discovery
Meanwhile, teenager Gillian Bellaver discovers her own psychic abilities. Unsure of her powers and experiencing disturbing visions, she seeks help at the Paragon Institute for Psychic Research. There, she unwittingly becomes a subject of interest to Childress, who sees her as another potential asset. Gillian’s journey involves learning to control her powers and grappling with their unsettling nature.

Peter’s Pursuit and Alliance
Driven by the belief that Robin is alive, Peter embarks on a relentless pursuit of Childress. His investigation leads him to Gillian, who shares a psychic link with his son. Recognizing the potential for them to find Robin together, Peter and Gillian form an uneasy alliance. The pair face constant threats from Childress’s operatives, highlighting the danger and scope of the government’s psychic agenda.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Peter Sandza (Kirk Douglas): A determined former CIA agent relentlessly searches for his telekinetic son after being betrayed by a colleague.
- Childress (John Cassavetes): A ruthless and unscrupulous ex-government agent who kidnaps Robin to exploit his psychic abilities for a secret organization.
- Gillian Bellaver (Amy Irving): A troubled teenager with powerful psychic abilities who is drawn into the conflict and helps Peter find his son.
- Robin Sandza (Andrew Stevens): Peter’s telekinetic son, kidnapped and exploited by Childress, becomes increasingly unstable and dangerous due to experimentation.
- Hester (Carrie Snodgress): Peter’s loyal friend and former lover who assists him in his quest, providing crucial information and support.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Peter Sandza: “Ask Childress if all this was worth his arm.” – Peter says this after revealing he maimed Childress with a machine gun, highlighting their personal vendetta.
- Gillian Bellaver: “(Screaming)” – Gillian’s screams often accompany her psychic experiences, emphasizing the raw, untamed power she possesses.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $5,500,000
- Domestic Gross: $9,555,084
- Worldwide Gross: $9,555,084
💥 The Fury Reviews
Personal Review
I first watched ‘The Fury’ late at night, and it totally freaked me out! The scene where the guy’s head explodes? I couldn’t sleep for days! It’s cheesy, sure, but it’s got this raw, unsettling energy that sticks with you. Kirk Douglas is intense, and Amy Irving is so believable as the troubled psychic. I really got invested in their journey, despite how crazy the plot gets. I recommend it for fans of thrillers.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Brian De Palma’s suspenseful thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in supernatural horror with telekinetic themes”
- “Those who enjoy films with intense action and graphic violence”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Scenes of torture and experimentation”
- “Disturbing psychic visions”
- “Terrorism”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “De Palma’s ‘The Fury’ is a wild ride, blending espionage with psychic horror. It’s a stylish thriller with some over-the-top moments, but the performances and visual flair make it a worthwhile experience.
- RogerEbert.com: “While ‘The Fury’ has its moments of suspense, the plot is convoluted and the characters aren’t particularly engaging. De Palma’s direction is competent, but the film lacks the emotional depth to make it truly memorable.
- Timeout: “A stylish and suspenseful thriller. The Fury is a great thriller with a touch of horror, making it a great movie to watch.
Audience Reactions
The ending is insane!: Viewers loved the special effects.
Kirk Douglas is fantastic.: Lead performance is a highlight.
Overall Consensus: A mixed bag of stylish suspense and over-the-top gore, ‘The Fury’ has its fans and detractors. It’s a cult classic for those who appreciate De Palma’s unique blend of genres.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The amusement park scenes were filmed inside Old Chicago, the world’s first indoor theme park and shopping mall, which added to the film’s unique atmosphere.”
- “John Williams’ score for ‘The Fury’ was highly praised, with some critics calling it one of the most elegant and delicately varied scores ever composed for a horror film.”
- “Brian De Palma’s second movie featuring Telekinesis, his first had been ‘Carrie (1976)’, as actress Amy Irving appears in both films.”
- “Rick Baker created the special effects for the film’s explosive climax, showcasing groundbreaking gore effects for the time.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Fury?
The Fury is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Fury, you might like these similar films:
- Carrie (1976): Both directed by Brian De Palma and explore the themes of telekinesis and the dangers of suppressed emotions.
- Scanners (1981): David Cronenberg’s film also delves into telekinetic powers and the horrifying consequences of government experimentation.
- Firestarter (1984): Another adaptation of psychic abilities turning deadly, particularly the government trying to exploit them.
- Push (2009): A modern action film focusing on a group of young people with various psychic abilities being hunted by a shadowy organization.
🛒 The Fury Related Products
- The Fury (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition featuring restored visuals and bonus content for collectors and cinephiles.
- The Fury (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered]: A fully remastered digital version of John Williams’s haunting score, capturing the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere.
- The Fury Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original theatrical poster, capturing the movie’s iconic imagery.
- Telekinesis Training Game (Digital): An interactive simulation game inspired by the movie where you train and control telekinetic abilities. Explore scenarios and challenges mirroring the film’s themes.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Fury features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Main Title” – performed by John Williams
- “Gillian’s Escape” – performed by John Williams
- “The Carousel” – performed by John Williams
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Fury was filmed in various locations, including Chicago, Illinois, and Israel. The amusement park scenes were filmed inside Old Chicago, an indoor theme park in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
No, The Fury is not a direct sequel to Carrie, although both films were directed by Brian De Palma and explore the theme of telekinesis. They are separate stories with different characters and plots.
The musical score for The Fury was composed by John Williams, known for his iconic scores for films like Star Wars and Jaws. His work on The Fury is often praised for enhancing the film’s suspenseful and supernatural atmosphere.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Problems With Fury
Ever wondered if that epic Tiger tank ambush in ‘Fury’ was actually realistic? This video breaks down all the historical inaccuracies and questionable tactics, and honestly, it’s pretty eye-opening!
This FURY scene is BAD & here is why
Thinking about how good Fury was? This video argues one of the main scenes is bad and highlights the US and German Tactical errors within the tank battle. See what they did wrong!
If FURY was a realistic movie . . .
Want a good laugh? This video hilariously imagines what ‘Fury’ would REALLY be like if it was 100% realistic. Prepare for some serious tank-related comedy!
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