Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word

Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word is a 2016 horror-thriller film directed by Simon Rumley, starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Mike Doyle, and Erin Cummings. The movie is based on a true story about the execution of Johnny Frank Garrett, a mentally challenged man who was convicted of the sexual assault and murder of a nun in Amarillo, Texas in 1981. Despite his claims of innocence, Garrett was executed by lethal injection in 1992, which served as inspiration for the filmmakers to portray a story that delves into philosophical questions regarding the value of human life and the pursuit of justice.

The film begins with Johnny Frank Garrett's (Mike Doyle) execution, which serves as a prelude to the events that follow. A young attorney named Adam Redman (Sean Patrick Flanery) is inspired to take up Garrett's case after watching the execution on television. Redman is convinced of Garrett's innocence and tries to investigate the case, even though he is warned by the district attorney not to tamper with the evidence. However, as Redman delves deeper into the case, he finds that there are forces at work that will stop at nothing to prevent him from uncovering the truth.

Meanwhile, a series of supernatural events begin to occur in the town. A reporter named Denise (Erin Cummings) starts receiving anonymous letters written by the executed Garrett, who claims to have cursed the town and its inhabitants. The letters include cryptic messages about the true identity of the killer and how justice will eventually be served. Denise initially dismisses these claims as the rantings of a madman, but after witnessing several inexplicable events, she begins to consider the possibility that there may be a supernatural element to the story.

As Redman's investigation intensifies, he gets closer and closer to uncovering the real culprit behind the murder. However, an unseen force seems to be manipulating events behind the scenes, making it difficult for him to get to the truth. Just as Redman is about to reveal the killer's identity, he is forced to confront the possibility that he may have been wrong about Garrett's innocence. This creates a dilemma for Redman, as he must decide whether to keep pursuing the truth at the cost of his own moral integrity or to back down and risk letting an innocent man continue to be condemned for an act he didn't commit.

Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word is a well-crafted horror-thriller that manages to blend supernatural and psychological elements seamlessly. The film is aesthetically pleasing, with a dark, gritty atmosphere that sets the tone for the story. The narrative is compelling, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged throughout. The acting is solid, with notable performances from Flanery and Cummings, who add depth to their characters and help to bring the story to life.

What sets Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word apart from other horror movies is its philosophical underpinnings. The film raises some interesting questions about the value of human life, morality, and justice. It's not just a simple "whodunit" story, but a complex meditation on the nature of truth and how it can be obscured by our own biases and assumptions. The film asks us to consider whether it's ever justified to sacrifice one person's life in the pursuit of justice, and whether there can be any closure when a society resorts to violence to punish wrongdoers.

Overall, Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word is a thought-provoking horror film that offers much more than just cheap scares. It's a well-written, well-directed movie that deserves attention from fans of the genre and those who enjoy a good psychological drama. Highly recommended.