Frailty is one of those strange films for me. As much as I liked it, it is a film I am hard pressed to see again.

That is because it is a terrifying film in the best sense of the term. It is psychologically (and visually) disturbing yet you are compelled to watch the film all the way to its final movements.

Much of the film is told in flashback from the perspective of Fenton Meiks (Matthew McConaughey). He is relaying his traumatic childhood to FBI Agent Doyle (Powers Booth). ‘Dad’ Meiks (played by Bill Paxton) believes that he is on a mission from God (by way of visions) to rid the world of demons. As such, he goes on a killing spree of ‘innocents.’  Fenton goes on to explain to Agent Doyle that these circumstances caused a fissure between him and his other brother, Adam – one thinking that it was their responsibility to continue their father’s overzealous and twisted legacy.

I will leave it at that or as River Song is apt to say …

Frailty is an excellent feature film debut from Bill Paxton, who is more widely known for his acting. His presence on screen freaks the absolute heck out of me.

Find other great overlooked (or forgotten) films at Todd Mason’s blog, Sweet Freedom.