Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why do some people seek out scary experiences, while others avoid fear at all costs? Why does fear spur some to fight and yet leave others frozen? Despite fear being as old as life itself, scientists are discovering new puzzles and new answers about how we humans—and our brains—process this most basic of emotions.
Written and directed by Roberto Verdecchia, BE AFRAID: The Science of Fear is a fun, freaky and fact-filled tour into the latest research on whether we have built-in fears, why some people approach danger while others avoid it, and the dramatic treatments freeing some people of their phobias. We travel through the strange and exciting places where fearless researchers dare to tread: haunted houses, horror video games, motocross stunt tracks, and full-on VR labs. If a “cure for fear” really has been discovered in the Netherlands, should we all live without fear? A mysterious woman who can’t feel fear reveals what that is actually like.
Through an intriguing mix of experiment and old-school scare tactics, scientists are learning how this most primal of emotions can help us overcome obstacles, stay safe in the midst of danger, and even—can you imagine?—find peace. So sit down, turn on all the lights, lock all the doors, and enjoy the show.
Documentary: Be Afraid : The Science of Fear
Directed by: Roberto Verdecchia
Production: 90th Parallel Productions (2020)
#documentary #freedocumentary #documentary #scienceoffear #psychology #humanbrain #neuroscience #fear #phobias #humanbehavior #science #mind #psychologydocumentary #brainscience
Why do some people seek out scary experiences, while others avoid fear at all costs? Why does fear spur some to fight and yet leave others frozen? Despite fear being as old as life itself, scientists are discovering new puzzles and new answers about how we humans—and our brains—process this most basic of emotions.
Written and directed by Roberto Verdecchia, BE AFRAID: The Science of Fear is a fun, freaky and fact-filled tour into the latest research on whether we have built-in fears, why some people approach danger while others avoid it, and the dramatic treatments freeing some people of their phobias. We travel through the strange and exciting places where fearless researchers dare to tread: haunted houses, horror video games, motocross stunt tracks, and full-on VR labs. If a “cure for fear” really has been discovered in the Netherlands, should we all live without fear? A mysterious woman who can’t feel fear reveals what that is actually like.
Through an intriguing mix of experiment and old-school scare tactics, scientists are learning how this most primal of emotions can help us overcome obstacles, stay safe in the midst of danger, and even—can you imagine?—find peace. So sit down, turn on all the lights, lock all the doors, and enjoy the show.
Documentary: Be Afraid : The Science of Fear
Directed by: Roberto Verdecchia
Production: 90th Parallel Productions (2020)
#documentary #freedocumentary #documentary #scienceoffear #psychology #humanbrain #neuroscience #fear #phobias #humanbehavior #science #mind #psychologydocumentary #brainscience
