WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Fear on Prime Video
Fear, the riveting Scottish drama series featuring Martin Compston and Anjli Monhindra, is creating a buzz on .
The entire show was released on the streaming platform last week, and many viewers have already devoured the three-part limited series. Audiences have been taken on an emotional rollercoaster as a couple’s lives are shattered when their neighbour accuses them of child abuse, reports the .
The ensuing drama sees Martyn (Compston) and Rebecca Berwick (Mohindra) desperately trying to refute the false allegations made by Jan Boyd (Solly McLeod). Fear reaches a heartbreaking climax when the authorities fail to intervene, leaving Martyn and Rebecca fighting to keep their family intact.
Why was Jan making false accusations?
Jan had a troubled past marked by physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as revealed by the judge during Allan Berwick’s (James Cosmo) murder trial. The judge also noted that Jan had a history of fabricating accusations, and Martyn and Rebecca were not his first victims.
Jan suffered from PTSD and was seeking treatment (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
[EXPLAINER]
Despite seeking treatment for his issues and attending rehab multiple times, the trauma of Jan’s past seemed too overwhelming to overcome.
Jan had previously confided in Rebecca about his traumatic childhood escape, revealing her own lack of familial connections. It seemed that Jan’s past trauma had resulted in PTSD, with the sounds of children’s laughter or screams triggering him.
These noises were associated with pain in his mind, leading him to create a false narrative based on his experiences. In a tense confrontation, Jan admitted to Martyn that he was prone to this behaviour.
Jan Boyd developed an unhealthy fixation with Rebecca (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Martyn advised Jan to confront his issues instead of making false accusations. Unfortunately, Jan’s premature death meant he was unable to conquer his inner demons, resulting in his demise.
Why was Jan fixated on Rebecca?
Another aspect of the false allegations was Jan’s obsession with Rebecca. The gene therapist had attempted to befriend their solitary neighbour by inviting him for lunch, but Jan misinterpreted this gesture as a romantic advance.
He quickly became attached to her, sending her a card and flowers which left Rebecca unsettled. He also made inappropriate remarks about her lingerie when he saw her hanging up laundry in their shared garden.
Jan Boyd had a history of making up false accusations (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
It was revealing when Jan withdrew the allegations against Rebecca and shifted the blame entirely onto Martyn, indicating his desire for a relationship with the scientist by removing her husband from the equation. He repeatedly asked if Rebecca would return to the house if he confessed to the police that his claims were fabricated.
Rebecca had relocated with the children from their luxurious Glasgow residence after Jan had openly accused her of child abuse in public and involved the police. Thus, a mix of his own mental health issues and obsession with Rebecca amplified these unfounded allegations, leading to a fatal conclusion for Jan.
Fear is streaming on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland