‘Prey for love’
Frank and Penelope is a 2022 American horror thriller set in a small town that’s home to a fanatic cult with a deadly flesh-obsessed secret. Aka Frank & Penelope
Written and directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Sean Patrick Flanery – making his feature directorial debut – based on a story by John Thaddeus. Produced by Scott Dolezal, Van Scott Folger and Andrew Shebay.
The movie stars Kevin Dillon (A Day to Die; The Blob 1988), Sean Patrick Flanery (Love Hurts; Assault on VA-33; Acceleration; Hunter’s Moon), Johnathon Schaech, Donna D’Errico, Billy Budinich, Caylee Cowan, Sonya Eddy and Lin Shaye.
Plot:
While on the run from the law, Frank and his exotic dancer girlfriend Penelope come upon a small motel and diner and decide to rest for the night.
The next day, after robbing the diner, they become immersed in a hellish nightmare when the proprietor – a psychotic, flesh-eating Bible-thumper with a sadistic family – takes them on a life and death journey, where escape is just a heart-pounding breath away…
Reviews:
“It’s an intriguing attempt to smash together a bunch of genres, and the deeper it gets, the more fun it becomes. A coterie of characters spiral around each other in looping subplots (again, very post-Tarantino) with just enough idiocy and horror to keep the audience on its toes, hoping that these two crazy kids can make it work, or at least make it out alive.” 2.5/5 The Austin Chronicle
” …a raunchy romance where characters are tested on every level humanly possible. There’s even a neat little nod to The Notebook, yes, you read that right. Elements of Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Duel […] are cleverly crafted into the final product […] My favorite part of the film is watching how the characters are forced to make choices outside their comfort zones…” Film Grouch
“It might be a strange, fun ride, but that’s not to say that Frank & Penelope is without any faults. Some of the acting can be a bit stiff at times. Then the subplot involving a nurse seems unnecessary, even though Sonya Eddy is great in the role. As a result, the film likely won’t blow your mind, but it’s a solid entry in the genre nonetheless.” 6/10 Film Threat
“Penelope works her search for “something that makes my thighs twitch” act on every heterosexual male in range, and turns most into putty. If only this script had found some place interesting to send her and Frank. If only the ending didn’t scream “We’re outta money/time/etc.” If only this crawling, drawling horror saga had gotten to the damned point and made something out of it.” 1.5/4 Movie Nation
Now Playing Network podcast review
“Frank and Penelope is the type of movie viewers will either love or hate. In fact, it’s such a cocktail of genres and tones that it’s possible to switch between the two on a scene-by-scene basis. But despite its stylish aesthetics, game cast, and wild ride of a plot, the film is ultimately let down by poor writing that will grate on even its biggest fans.” The Review Geek
Release:
In the US, Redbud Studios will release Frank and Penelope theatrically on June 3, 2022.
Filming locations:
Terlingua, Texas
Trailer:
Clip:
Cast and crew caught in a monsoon:
