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Forgotten Film Friday: Frailty

A review by Brooks Rich

This is another one of those films I have to be super careful and not spoil a thing. So don't expect a lot here. This film is so good and relies so heavily on how the story plays out. It's twist at the end is so satisfying while also being soul crushing. That's all I can say. Really if you haven't seen this and have a tolerance for a film that's not pleasant, this is a very dark film, give this a watch. It's one of the best underrated thrillers of the '00s and also the directorial debut for the late great Bill Paxton. A huge loss for the film world in 2017. This is easily my favorite Bill Paxton film and that's saying a lot. The man was in Aliens for God's sake and I love him as Hudson. But this is the best performance Paxton ever gave.

Paxton plays Dad, all he's referred to, who in the summer of 1979 tells his two sons that they have been chosen by God to kill demons. In the present day Matthew McConaughey walks into a Texas FBI field office and says he knows who a serial killer on the loose known as the God's Hand Killer is. That's all you need to know. The rest of the film plays out and it's just so good.

Paxton is tremendous in this. I hate that people don't often mention this film when talking about his filmography. He is so sinister at times and yet always loving towards his boys, even as the eldest rebels against their supposed divine orders. There's fear in Paxton's eyes at times when he sees his son not following along. It's so good everyone. Really. So far in the history of this blog, this is the film I want you all to see with very little knowledge. I know it's kind of a cop out but I just can't say, Frailty, go see it. I need to say a little more but I don't want one beat of this film spoiled. The payoff is so well done and completely earned.

If you asked me to make a top ten films of the 2000's list, Frailty would go on it. I love this film and I hope this brief look into it encourages some of you to seek it out. Again I warn you that this is a very dark film so know that going in. But please give it a chance. Some of you are going to fall in love with this and wonder how was this not in your life before.


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