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From Amazon.co.uk
Steeped in gloomy atmosphere,Frailty locates its horror in the tyranny of religious fanaticism. Making an assured directorial debut, actor Bill Paxton co-stars as a Texas widower who believes God has recruited him to destroy demons in human form. Feeling divinely justified in committing a series of axe murders (discreetly unseen), he urges his two young sons to assist him in the killings--a living nightmare recalled in flashback by one of the now-adult sons (Matthew McConaughey) to the FBI agent (Powers Boothe) who's investigating the murders. But mystery is of secondary importance in Brent Hanley's cleverly twisting screenplay; Frailty suggests, with unsettling subtlety, that Paxton's mission may not be delusional, thus burdening his deadly wrath with spiritually disturbing significance. It's definitely not a feel-good film, but with celebrity endorsements by Stephen King and directors James Cameron and Sam Raimi (who both made films with Paxton), Frailty gets under the skin with insidious efficiency. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Rated: 15 - Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.
Language: Strong.
Sex/Nudity: Some brief references.
Violence: Once strong, some moderate.
Other: Frequent peril and threat.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Mick E
Format:DVD
'Frailty' didn't do much at the UK box office on it's release - maybe because it was up against M. Night Shyamalan's much-anticipated (and slightly over-rated) 'Signs'. A bit of a shame as this is an excellent and gripping thriller from start to finish. It deals with the FBI's search for a serial killer known as 'God's Hand'. When Fenton Meeks (McConaughey) walks into the FBI's offices claiming he knows the identity of the killer his claims are initially met with scepticism. He relates the story of his motherless family's transformation from an everyday happy unit into one of serial murder. This change is caused when Fenton and his brother Adam are awoken during the night by their father (Paxton) who claims he has been given a mission from God. The mission is to kill demons who are masquerading as human beings. Fenton believes his father has gone raving mad but Adam believes him and a trail of death ensues.
'Frailty' is Bill Paxton's directorial debut and I look forward to seeing what he does next as this is a cracking film that nearly always keeps you guessing. The acting is mostly top-notch with Paxton delivering a fairly low-key performance as the father and McConaughey goes into sombre mode as Fenton. It is also worth noting that the child performances are very good too. There are one or two formulaic moments when certain plot elements and some of the characterisation seem a little obvious but on the whole it all builds up really well toward the final twist. I enjoyed 'Frailty' a lot more than 'Signs' and it seems baffling to me how it didn't do a lot better at the cinema. Still, that's what a bit of hype can do I suppose.
'Frailty' is Bill Paxton's directorial debut and I look forward to seeing what he does next as this is a cracking film that nearly always keeps you guessing. The acting is mostly top-notch with Paxton delivering a fairly low-key performance as the father and McConaughey goes into sombre mode as Fenton. It is also worth noting that the child performances are very good too. There are one or two formulaic moments when certain plot elements and some of the characterisation seem a little obvious but on the whole it all builds up really well toward the final twist. I enjoyed 'Frailty' a lot more than 'Signs' and it seems baffling to me how it didn't do a lot better at the cinema. Still, that's what a bit of hype can do I suppose.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This has got to be one of the best films that I have ever seen in this genre. It is a veritable masterpiece, delivering a great storyline, an amazing directorial debut by Bill Paxton, and excellent performances by the entire cast. What could be better?
The film revolves around the happy and loving Meeks family, which consists of a Texas widower (Bill Paxton) and his two boys, Fenton and Adam. All is well until late one night, when this pleasant, mild-mannered father claims to have received a visitation from an angel with a very special message for him from God. It seems that demons are among us, disguised as human beings. It appears that Dad, as well as his boys, are being given a very special mission. They are to destroy these demons. God will supply the weapons and the names of those who are to be destroyed. Dad will be able to ensure that he is destroying a demon simply by laying his hands upon the purported demon. Therein lies the tale, and it is a positively chilling one.
This living nightmare is recalled in flashback by one of the now grown boys (Mathew McConaughey) to FBI Agent Wesley Doyle (Powers Boothe), who is investigating a series of killings referred to as the "God's Hand" murders. He recounts what life was like for the Meeks family after dear old Dad got his divine calling and woke them up one night from a sound sleep to tell them of his new found mission. The boys are sworn to secrecy and are called upon to assist with this divine calling. While the younger boy, Adam, gets with the program, the older son, Fenton, is clearly disturbed by what he sees as the psychotic transformation of his formerly benign father. He is only hoping that things will blow over, and Dad will return to normal. Unfortunately, things will never again be the same.
... Read more ›2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I think Frailty is disturbing and melancholy; not so much creepy as unsettling. The first four fifths of the movie had me on edge and involved. Matt O'Leary and Jeremy Sumpter who played the young boys are excellent, and so is Bill Paxton, who loved his sons and was committed to following God's message to capture and kill demons. The heart of the story isn't the horror of Mr. Meik's axe-wielding justice, but the horror of what his obsession does to his sons. Matthew McConaughey surprised me as one of the sons, now grown. There is no charm about him, just an uneasy matter-of-factness. He is very good. And for a movie which many might consider a horror film, there is almost no gore. Even the axe murders take place off camera. Throughout the movie, which is told almost all in flashback, the power of the story derives from the relationship between the two sons, who are about 10 and 8, and their widowed father. It's this dynamic which, I think, makes the movie so engrossing and unsettling.
But then there is the last 20 minutes or so of the movie, when all the twists begin to happen, all the surprises flash at you, the irony of the truth happens. For me, it's just too much; it becomes unsatisfying because too many pieces, some without any preparation, are slammed into place. The basic twist, however, involving McConaughey is well set up and plays fair with the audience. Even though I think just too many gears come into motion at the end, the movie remains a well-crafted piece of work, and worth seeing.
But then there is the last 20 minutes or so of the movie, when all the twists begin to happen, all the surprises flash at you, the irony of the truth happens. For me, it's just too much; it becomes unsatisfying because too many pieces, some without any preparation, are slammed into place. The basic twist, however, involving McConaughey is well set up and plays fair with the audience. Even though I think just too many gears come into motion at the end, the movie remains a well-crafted piece of work, and worth seeing.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Frailty is the story of a closely knit single-parent family that becomes divided when Dad wakes up his sons to tell them he's had a vision. In it, an angel has explained to him that he is a Demon-slayer; and given him a list of names with which to begin God's Work.
The youngest child is immediately overawed by his dad's new special purpose, and toddles off to help him out; the elder of the children is at first unsure, and then scared when he sees just how literally Dad is taking his vision; and then horrified when he finds himself expected to help.
The main problem for him is what - if anything - can he do about it? Thus begins the desperate test of a young boy in alerting the authorities to Dad's behaviour in the face of the ironic question regarding who might believe his story, over the respected word of his once community-friendly father.
Frailty is an excellent film that boasts an interestingly twisted plot, building up from an average film into a disturbing and interesting film, to one which catches you by completely by surprise at least twice right towards the end.
The acting is also good, notably so from the two boys playing the sons. I was very pleasantly surprised by this film and would recommend it.
The youngest child is immediately overawed by his dad's new special purpose, and toddles off to help him out; the elder of the children is at first unsure, and then scared when he sees just how literally Dad is taking his vision; and then horrified when he finds himself expected to help.
The main problem for him is what - if anything - can he do about it? Thus begins the desperate test of a young boy in alerting the authorities to Dad's behaviour in the face of the ironic question regarding who might believe his story, over the respected word of his once community-friendly father.
Frailty is an excellent film that boasts an interestingly twisted plot, building up from an average film into a disturbing and interesting film, to one which catches you by completely by surprise at least twice right towards the end.
The acting is also good, notably so from the two boys playing the sons. I was very pleasantly surprised by this film and would recommend it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
not for pretenious politial morons
This is an excellent film, i would of loved more in depth background but the film would of been ruined it cracks along at a fair pace, don't worry won't spolil the film, on what... Read more
Published 11 months ago by M J. Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Underrated gem
Well this one pretty much escaped under the radar! Often described as a horror film it is really much more of a psychological thriller which was beautifully and thoughtfully... Read more
Published on 13 May 2011 by Fergus Stewart
5.0 out of 5 stars
All Is Seldom What It Seems
This is a first rate thriller in the film noir style, told, mostly, as a long series of flashbacks. Half the fun is the twists, and I do not want to even hint at these; but they... Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2011 by Charles Vasey
5.0 out of 5 stars
'FRAILTY' IS A VERY STRONG LITTLE MOVIE
This intriguing sleeper of a movie is well worth your while if you like dark and disturbing dramas with plenty of turns and twists in the plot. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2011 by Mr. John K. Bishton
4.0 out of 5 stars
Assured first feature, psychologically scary but does feel rushed.
This is a fine movie, heavily reminiscent of the The Usual Suspects for set-up and dénouement. Bill Paxton is to be commended on producing such an inventive first feature. Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2011 by Sera69
3.0 out of 5 stars
Gods and monsters
Bill Paxton makes his directoral debut and also features in Frailty as the deluded(?) father of two boys who believes he and his young sons have been chosen by God to slay demons... Read more
Published on 22 Dec 2010 by All of them Witches
4.0 out of 5 stars
A dark and wonderful tale of terror and horror
The plot of 'Frailty' revolves around the story of Fenton Meeks, a man who goes to the FBI with information related to the identity of a serial killer known as the 'God's Hand... Read more
Published on 4 July 2010 by Ernie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding thriller
Fenton Mieks (Matthew McConaughey) goes to the FBI one night and calmly tells the agent (Powers Boothe) that his father and brother were mass murderers known as the "God's Hands... Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2008 by Kona
4.0 out of 5 stars
A breath of fresh air.
Bill Paxton Directs and stars as a father of two young brothers who one night is sent a message by God. He tells his children that God wants him to rid the world of several demons. Read more
Published on 2 July 2007 by Paul Macdonald
1.0 out of 5 stars
Tired and predictable!
I really don't feel it necessary to take nearly 30 lines to review this film. The comments on the DVD's cover made me purchase this and after watching it I cannot believe I saw the... Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2007 by Inmi Opinion
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