Frank and Penelope

Frank & Penelope (2022)

Sean Patrick Flanery’s Frank & Penelope (2022) is an audacious crime-romance thriller that blends offbeat melodrama with violent bursts of horror. Written and directed by Flanery, the film stars Billy Budinich as Frank—a downtrodden man disillusioned by betrayal—and Caylee Cowan as Penelope, a stripper longing for escape and emotional connection.

Set against the dusty expanse of West Texas, the narrative begins in Austin. Frank, devastated after discovering his wife’s betrayal, meets Penelope at a rundown strip club. Their chemistry is immediate, igniting a reluctant partnership that evolves into a raw and desperate romance. Together, they embark on a road trip across a desolate dirt road toward freedom, until their journey takes a dark turn when they rob a diner and encounter the sinister motel proprietors in the ghost town of Terlingua.

Their momentary respite unravels quickly: they are captured by Chisos, a cult-like, psychotic cannibal who leads a sadistic family boasting deeply disturbing beliefs. What begins as a fleeting stop becomes a nightmare, forcing Frank and Penelope into a brutal fight for survival where escape seems nearly impossible.

Flanery surrounds the leads with a memorable ensemble cast. Kevin Dillon portrays a rough sheriff, while Lin Shaye delivers an unexpectedly standout performance as Ophelia, adding sly tension to the creeping horror. Donna D’Errico and others flesh out the bizarre cast, enhancing the film’s eerie, genre-blending tone.

Critically, the film received largely negative reviews, holding just 29% on the critics’ score, though audience reactions were markedly more favorable with an 82% audience score. Critics described it as a chaotic mix of cult thriller tropes, over-the-top dialogue, unstable pacing, and murky storytelling. However, some appreciated the retro crime-thriller vibes and the tension that builds throughout. One review called it a “middle-of-the-road B-movie” that borrows heavily from 1990s outlaw romances, while another found unexpected fun in its oddball energy and genre mash-up appeal.

By contrast, many viewers praised Cowan’s performance as Penelope, calling her portrayal hauntingly hypnotic and essential to the film’s emotional pull. Fans online gushed that the film turned out to be a fantastic experience, enjoying its unpredictable twists and visual style, which combines exploitation aesthetics with road movie romance.

The film does not shy away from graphic content: it includes intense violence, sexual assault, cannibalism, strong language, and explicit sex—all explicitly flagged in content advisories.

Despite its flaws, Frank & Penelope has its own fierce identity. Its desert landscapes and cultish nightmare-logic create a strange, hypnotic tableau—perfect for viewers who enjoy gritty indie thrillers with unconventional romance and shocks around every corner.

In summary, Frank & Penelope is a visceral, uncompromising road movie that merges crime, horror, and heart. Though critics were split, the passionate responses from fans and its bold storytelling style make it a cult curiosity worth exploring. If you’re drawn to dark tales of doomed love and surreal violence, this film might just leave a lasting impression.