IMDb 7.4 2011 HD

Fighting Fear

Fighting Fear

2011
Action Documentary Drama
97 min TV-14 USA
4.5 / 10
7.4 IMDB

Told through the eyes of two friends Big Wave Pro-surfer Mark Mathews and MMA fighter Richie 'Vas' Vaculik.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Macario De Souza
Starring
Joel Edgerton / Mick Fanning / Mark Mathews / B.J. Penn / Kelly Slater / Richie 'Vas' Vaculik

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring intense courageous raw authentic powerful gripping determined challenging honest thrilling visceral

Reviews

C
Chloe Adams
Apr 28, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'Fighting Fear' presents a compelling, if somewhat conventional, exploration of courage through the parallel lives of surfer Mark Mathews and MMA fighter Richie 'Vas' Vaculik. The film shines when it delves into the psychological toll of their extreme…

D
David Lee
Apr 28, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a visceral and inspiring look at two athletes who live on the edge. 'Fighting Fear' masterfully captures the adrenaline-fueled worlds of big wave surfing and mixed martial arts through the eyes of Mark Mathews and Richie…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 28, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

A dual narrative structure underpins 'Fighting Fear,' following the journeys of surfer Mark Mathews and MMA fighter Richie 'Vas' Vaculik. The film attempts to draw parallels between the mental demands of mastering colossal waves and the controlled aggression…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 28, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Fighting Fear' dives headfirst into the psyche of two formidable athletes, big wave surfer Mark Mathews and MMA contender Richie 'Vas' Vaculik. What elevates this film beyond a mere sports documentary is its unflinching look at the psychological…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 28, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This documentary offers a dual portrait of courage, focusing on surfer Mark Mathews and MMA fighter Richie 'Vas' Vaculik. The film’s strength lies in its intimate portrayal of these athletes' mental fortitude as they confront the inherent dangers…

FAQs

Yes, 'Fighting Fear' boasts an impressive roster of well-known personalities from the world of action sports and beyond. Among the featured individuals are fellow big wave surfer Mick Fanning, actor Joel Edgerton, and legendary MMA fighters B.J. Penn and Kelly Slater. Their inclusion suggests a broader exploration of the sports and the community surrounding them, adding significant star power and credibility to the documentary's narrative.