The film centers around Martin Vail (played by Richard Gere), a charismatic and ambitious defense attorney in Chicago known for taking on high-profile cases. Vail agrees to defend Aaron Stampler (played by Edward Norton), a shy and stuttering altar boy accused of brutally murdering a beloved archbishop.
As Vail delves deeper into Aaron’s case, he discovers inconsistencies in the evidence and begins to suspect that Aaron may be innocent. Aaron claims to suffer from dissociative identity disorder and insists that he has no memory of committing the crime.
Throughout the trial, Vail faces off against Janet Venable (played by Laura Linney), an ambitious and ruthless prosecutor determined to secure a conviction. As the trial progresses, Vail uncovers shocking revelations about Aaron’s past and the true nature of his relationship with the murdered archbishop.
In a twist ending, it is revealed that Aaron has been manipulating everyone all along. He confesses to Vail that he fabricated his stutter and alter ego as part of an elaborate scheme to avoid responsibility for his actions. Aaron admits to killing the archbishop in a fit of rage after discovering that the archbishop was sexually abusing him.
Despite Vail’s efforts to expose Aaron’s deceit, the jury finds Aaron not guilty by reason of insanity. The film ends with Vail confronting Aaron in prison, realizing that he has been outsmarted by a cunning and manipulative sociopath.
“Primal Fear” is praised for its suspenseful plot, compelling performances, and shocking twist ending. Edward Norton received critical acclaim for his breakout performance as Aaron Stampler, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film’s exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and the nature of evil make it a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.