Frailty (2001)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"Frailty" is about a man, played by Matthew McConaughey (Sahara), who confesses to an FBI Agent, played by Powers Booth (Sin City), his father was a religious fanatic who became a serial killer, claiming to be ridding the world of "demons." However, the dad, played by Paxton (A Simple Plan), has a choice to make when the heavens send down a new list of demons, and his other son is on it, McConaughey's character's brother. McConaughey, playing the son's older self, now believes his brother is the new serial killer the FBI Agent is hunting for and wants to help capture him. I'm trying to describe it the best I can without ruining the unexpected plot points. The picture is extremely intense, especially when you learn of the father's problem, and you don't know what to think. Why did dad go crazy? I found myself asking over and over, on my way to disliking the movie. However, the story got better and stayed better, especially as dad's orders began to come down from Heaven, and young Fenton was freaking out about it. In the end, the dad's craziness is fully explained in an uncompromising twist between brothers. I love how Paxton, as director, told the picture through the point of view of the son who believes his father is crazy and wants him to get help. the child's POV works perfectly for this script from Brent Hanley. The writing, especially the second half, was very exciting and well thought out. The picture finishes strong with a great twist. Paxton was fun see and McConaughey was fine. I really liked the kids who played the brothers at the young ages. Paxton did well in casting Matt O'Leary and Jeremy Sumpter in those roles and did a great job working with them. Paxton's greatest strength as a director in this was his bait & switch techniques to make the twist ending inevitable and unpredictable. You always know something is up, but when it happens, it's still a surprise and makes total sense. Yes, one of THOSE movies. I know they're rare. The ending was very well set up and delivered strong. Overall, if you like intense thrillers, you can't do any better than "Frailty;" well performed, well written and well directed. What else can you ask for? Look for Paxton's follow up directorial gig with Disney's latest feel-good true story "The Greatest Game Ever Played." Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This is a spooky little thriller, that goes almost high concept, but remains grounded and very intriguing. It also serves as bill Paxton's directorial debut in live action cinema.