Watch The Fear of 13

The Fear of 13 is a gripping and emotional documentary film that explores the life of Nick Yarris, a man who spent 22 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Directed by David Sington, the film is a powerful and intimate portrayal of one man's harrowing journey through the criminal justice system and his eventual quest for freedom.

Nick Yarris was convicted of raping and murdering a woman in Pennsylvania in 1981. Despite claiming his innocence from the beginning, Yarris was found guilty and sentenced to death. For the next two decades, he would fight to clear his name and prove his innocence, enduring unimaginable hardships and setbacks along the way.

The Fear of 13 is based entirely on Yarris' own words, as he shares his story with the audience in a series of interviews conducted over several years. Yarris is a masterful storyteller, and his powerful and moving account of his life and experiences is both captivating and heart-wrenching. He speaks openly and honestly about the horrors of prison life, the daily battles he faced to stay alive, and the anguish of being separated from his family and loved ones.

The film also takes us into the courtroom, where we see the flaws and injustices of the criminal justice system laid bare. Yarris is repeatedly failed by the very institutions that are supposed to protect him, as witnesses lie and prosecutors manipulate the evidence to secure a conviction. The film is a powerful indictment of the system as a whole, highlighting the many ways in which it can go wrong and the devastating consequences it can have for innocent people.

One of the most striking things about The Fear of 13 is its use of visual storytelling. The film is primarily comprised of Yarris' interviews, but these are interspersed with stunning aerial shots of the countryside and haunting images of the prison where Yarris spent so many years. The result is a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful, drawing the viewer in and holding them captive throughout.

The performances in the film are all outstanding, but it is Yarris himself who truly stands out. His charisma, wit, and unflinching honesty are all on full display, and by the end of the film, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of admiration and respect for him. Despite all that he has been through, he remains a deeply compassionate and empathetic person, driven not by anger or bitterness but by a desire to make the world a better place.

The Fear of 13 is a true triumph of documentary filmmaking, telling a deeply personal story with skill, sensitivity, and grace. The film is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and a powerful reminder of the many ways in which we can come together to fight for justice and freedom. It is a must-see for anyone who cares about issues of human rights, criminal justice, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.

The Fear of 13 is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.