Directed by the master of suspense Brian De Palma, The Fury (1978) is a stylish, supernatural thriller that blends espionage intrigue with explosive psychic horror.
The Plot
The story follows Peter Sandza, a former government agent who narrowly escapes an assassination attempt while on vacation in the Middle East. During the chaos, his teenage son, Robin, is kidnapped by Peter’s own colleague, the ruthless Childress.
While Childress intends to weaponize Robin’s burgeoning and terrifyingly powerful psychic abilities, Peter goes underground to find his son. His search leads him to Gillian Bellaver, a high school student who is discovering her own telekinetic powers—powers so intense they cause physical harm to those around her. As their paths converge, Peter must protect Gillian from the same agency that took his son, leading to a high-stakes confrontation fueled by raw, psychic energy.
Key Cast & Crew
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Director: Brian De Palma
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Music: John Williams (providing a sweeping, Gothic score)
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Main Cast:
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Kirk Douglas as Peter Sandza
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John Cassavetes as Childress
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Amy Irving as Gillian Bellaver
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Andrew Stevens as Robin Sandza
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Carrie Snodgress as Hester
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What to Expect
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Visual Style: True to De Palma’s signature style, the film features elaborate slow-motion sequences, split-diopter shots, and intense practical effects.
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The Tone: It is often compared to Carrie (which De Palma also directed), but on a much larger, global-conspiracy scale.
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The Ending: While no spoilers here, the film is famous for one of the most visually shocking and technically impressive finales in 1970s cinema.
