As far back as I can remember, I've always been a big fan of Bill Paxton. From his earlier days as a smart ass supporting player (see Aliens and Weird Science), to his more prominent roles in high profile films (see Apollo 13 and Twister), to compelling leading man (see A Simple Plan and One False Move). It seems that all that's missing from his resume is a directing credit. With the dark thriller Frailty, we can add that to the list as well.

It's really hard to pigeon-hole Frailty to one genre. That's because there's a lot going on in the movie. All in all, I guess it could be classified as a horror film given the dark subject matter.

Frailty opens present day as Fenton Meiks (a low key and surprisingly effective Matthew McConaughey) enters an FBI building with a startling confession. It seems he knows the identity of the "God's Hand" killer (a name given, due to the nature of the murders). There to listen, is a veteran FBI agent (played with obvious relish by Powers Booth). After revealing the name of the killer, Meiks backs his story with utter conviction through a series of disturbing flashbacks. Back in the 70's, Fenton (an effective Matthew O'Leary), his younger brother Adam (Jeremy Sumpter) and their loving father (played by Paxton) seem to be living a normal life despite the death of Paxton's wife. Things drastically change, however, when poppa Paxton tells the children that they have been chosen by God to destroy demons that live amongst them.

He explains that an angel spoke to him in the night, and that it would be their mission in life to do away with these so called demons. Of course Fenton believes his dad is off his rocker, while young Adam is a little more impressionable. Nevertheless, a killing spree ensues as Paxton begins murdering those on a list given to him by the angel. It seems these demons look like you and me, only their true form is revealed upon Paxton's touch. The film cuts back and forth from present to past as a series of twists and turns keep the audience on their toes.

Frailty has been heavily endorsed by such notables as Stephen King and Sam Raimi, and it's easy to say why. It features moments very reminiscent of the works of Raimi, King and a handful of others. In fact, much of newcomer screenwriter Brent Hanley's overly flash screenplay, reminded me of Christopher McQuarrie's The Usual Suspects, with it's interrogation scenes and surprise twists. However here, the big twist feels telegraphed while you never saw it coming in The Usual Suspects. Perhaps Hanley should have practiced a little more restraint. A major plot point in this film revolves around Paxton's character. Is he insane or does he actually have these visions? Unfortunately, Hanley has opted to give us the answer instead of letting us decide for ourselves (of course that could be argued upon reflection). There are moments that teeter a bit too close to being laughable, but Paxton's stellar directing, and a handsome cast seem to transcend the screenplay's various faults.

As solid as Paxton's directorial debut is, Paxton the actor is equally effective. Although he is committing seemingly grotesque acts in front of his children, he seems completely human with a vulnerability and loving quality that is both realistic and unsettling. Matthew O'Leary is very convincing as young Fenton, a young man traumatized by things he's seen, who begins to question whether or not God exists. While this movie is very dark in tone, it is the quieter moments between the children and their father that keep this movie grounded in reality.

The last month has seen it's fair share of thrillers. Panic Room boasts impressive visual style but lacks surprise in terms of character and story content, while High Crimes benefits from a few moments of powerful drama but also lacks an element of the unexpected. While flawed and overflowing with a few too many surprises, Frailty manages to be both compelling and shocking.

Bill Paxton proves to be an extremely gifted director. He manages to keep the audience within his grasp every step of the way, even when the story attempts to restrict him. Frailty is compulsively watchable from beginning to end thanks to his sure handed execution. Thankfully, he has chose to downplay much of the mayhem, keeping the film from going over the top. Had it not been for the far too slick and twist riddled screenplay, I probably would have given this movie a higher rating. As it stands, Frailty is a dark, unsettling, morality play showcasing a major new directing talent.