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Cape Fear
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Cape Fear
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Summary
From executive producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. When convicted murderer Max Cady is released from prison, he begins infiltrating the family of the married attorneys who helped put him behind bars.
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Review
David Brown
With an air of complacency, Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) assures his wife Anna (Amy Adams) that “Max Cady is not coming.” History tells us otherwise. Cady is always coming.
The notoriously vengeful antagonist first appeared in John D MacDonald’s novel The Executioners before reaching the screen twice – initially embodied by Robert Mitchum’s predatory calm, then later reimagined through Robert De Niro’s almost operatic menace.
This time, Javier Bardem brings his trademark controlled intensity to a Max Cady with twice the incentive. Newly released from prison after his conviction is overturned, he sets his sights on both Tom, the prosecutor who put him away, and Anna, the defence attorney who failed to keep him free. Tom and Anna’s subsequent marriage after falling in love while working on the case only deepens Cady’s sense of grievance: in his eyes, the pair are united in guilt.
As a 10-part series, this version can’t sustain Cady as a mere tattooed avatar of sadism. Hints of a troubled childhood begin to bubble up, adding texture to the threat. But any suggestion of softening is undercut by the return of Bernard Herrmann’s thunderous score – its pulsing brass a reminder of the violence lying in wait beneath the surface. As Cady himself puts it, he’s only just getting started.
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6.7/10
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Credits
Cast
rolenameMax CadyJavier BardemTom BowdenPatrick WilsonAnna BowdenAmy AdamsNatalie BowdenLily Collias
Seasons
Latest season
Season 1
News & features about Cape Fear
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Is Cape Fear based on a true story?
As Javier Bardem brings Max Cady back to screens, we unpack whether Cape Fear has roots in real life.
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Cape Fear release schedule: When are new episodes out on Apple TV?
The classic thriller is reborn for television.
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Cape Fear showrunner explains key change surrounding the Bowden family for new version
Nick Antosca says the new Cape Fear explores "new ways to terrorise an American family in 2026".
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Cape Fear legend Juliette Lewis: "I’m a Final Girl, meaning the one who survives"
Actor Juliette Lewis tells Radio Times she's gone full-circle as she stars in the TV adaptation of Cape Fear – the film that made her famous
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Cape Fear remake drops terrifying trailer as Javier Bardem takes on killer role
The trailer takes unsettling to a whole new level.
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Hollywood A-listers star in chilling first-look trailer for all-new version of Cape Fear
Amy Adams, Javier Bardem and Patrick Wilson star in the new Apple TV series.
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Cape Fear episode 3 sees surprise appearance from major star with a link to the 1991 film
Episode 3 of Apple TV's Cape Fear introduces a mysterious new threat – played by a very familiar face.
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Cape Fear 2026 star reveals advice she received from beloved star of 1991 version
Lily Collias says Juliette Lewis was a "guiding light" as she stepped into the Cape Fear legacy.
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Cape Fear review: Javier Bardem brings a controlled intensity to his very modern-day villain ★★★★☆
Bardem walks a tightrope of charismatic cunning as Patrick Wilson and Amy Adams co-star in Apple TV's 10-part thriller.
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Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson reveal major Cape Fear changes – and why it 'isn't just stretched out' for TV
The new Cape Fear makes some notable tweaks, as its stars say this series adaptation isn't simply padding out the films.
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Javier Bardem unpacks physical transformation into Cape Fear's Max Cady – and why he didn't want to mimic Robert De Niro
Bardem wanted his Max Cady to be "frightening and complex in a new way".
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Cape Fear TV series remake gets release date confirmed with first look
Amy Adams, Javier Bardem and Patrick Wilson lead the cast.
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Apple TV+ to remake Cape Fear into limited series with Monsters star as twisted killer
Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg are set to produce the new TV series.
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Elle Fanning gets advice from Hollywood icons in emotional first-look trailer for new family drama series based on best-selling novel
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