The film follows the story of Gil Renard (played by Robert De Niro), an obsessed baseball fan who becomes dangerously fixated on his favorite player, Bobby Rayburn (played by Wesley Snipes), a star outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.
Gil is a troubled man with a failing marriage and a dead-end job selling knives. His life revolves around the success of Bobby Rayburn, whom he idolizes to an unhealthy degree. When Bobby begins to struggle on the field, Gil’s obsession intensifies, and he becomes increasingly delusional and unstable.
As Bobby’s performance declines, Gil sees himself as the only true fan who can save him. He begins to stalk Bobby, infiltrating his personal life and manipulating events to ensure Bobby’s success on the field. However, Gil’s actions become increasingly erratic and dangerous, leading to tragic consequences for both himself and Bobby.
In the climax of the film, Gil kidnaps Bobby’s son and holds him hostage, demanding that Bobby hit a home run in the upcoming game. Bobby, desperate to save his son, complies with Gil’s demands, but tragedy strikes when Gil accidentally kills Bobby’s son during a struggle.
In the aftermath of the kidnapping, Gil is pursued by the police and ultimately killed during a confrontation with Bobby. The film ends with Bobby returning to the field, haunted by the events that have transpired and questioning the nature of fandom and obsession.
“The Fan” is praised for its tense atmosphere, gripping performances, and exploration of themes such as celebrity obsession, identity, and the darker side of sports culture. It offers a chilling portrayal of the dangers of unchecked obsession and the blurred lines between fandom and fanaticism.