This Day in Horror History: FRAILTY Was Released in 2002

Near the top of just about every list of “Underrated Horror Movies” is Frailty, a psychological rollercoaster with as much drama and depth as any Oscar-winning feature. The film stars Bill Paxton (Aliens) who also directs this incredible shocker; Mathew McConaughey gives a powerful turn as Adam Meiks and Powers Boothe plays FBI Agent Wesley Doyle. The film keeps audiences rapt, climaxing with a twist that will have you rushing to give Frailty a second watch.

If it’s been a while, or if you’ve never experienced this amazing creeper, check out the trailer and synopsis for Frailty below.

Synopsis:
One day, a widowed blue-collar worker has a revelation: he must destroy those revealed to him as demons. He then begins the serial killings of `God’s Hand Killer’ across Texas, but he also has two young sons, the younger of whom idolizes him and believes in the cause, while his older brother is revolted but cannot bring himself to stop his father. Twenty years later, the elder son walks into a police station and confesses.

Trivia:
When asked why the axe used by his character has the name “OTIS” carved into the handle, Paxton stated that he wanted the axe to have its own personality and to be unique. He found the name in Pasadena when he was there scouting for locations to film. Paxton met a homeless man and offered to give him some money. The homeless man did not want charity, so Paxton instead offered to buy the use of the man’s name for his movie. The homeless man’s name was Otis. (Source)

Agent Doyle’s (Boothe) and Adam’s arrival at what remains of the family’s old home is one thing Paxton would have done differently in retrospect. “It’s supposed to be the foundation of the Meiks house, but you don’t really get that because of the night lighting and everything. Had I to do this over I would have used the Thurman rose garden because that would have shown up really nice in silhouette there.” (Source)

Are you a fan of Frailty? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.

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