'Fragile' is an unusual
thriller set in a medical facility for patients with a muscle wasting
disease and severe learning disability. They are all in need of
constant support and have at least one parent as a resident staying
on the grounds.
A mid-twenties youth
'Sean' finds himself as an unwitting hospital porter in the LakeSide
institute, a private countryside hospital. It's not ideal, but it
helps him to avoid his problems and keeps him out of view from the
law.
Although its a soothing
and calm environment, Sean begins to notice that the place is full of
oddities. All the patients are administered the same drug and their
weak bodies are supported by a full body plaster-cast.
While passing one room
he notices something about the relationship between a mother and her
son, it's as though she adores his doll-like state (in a full body
cast and virtually comatose) more than if he was up and running
around full of health. “He's a good boy, a very good boy, look at
his little Sunday tuxedo, you'll always be Mommy's little daring”.
After reading up on the
drug, it's clear that it is only responsible for sedation and has no
therapeutic value at all.
Sean decides to swap
the drug for saline solution and thing become clear.
After a couple of days
one young patient utters “Please, will you help us all?”
Sean's dilemma to
contact the authorities is short lived when he is found out an the
true terror ensues.
This project has a flavour
of 'The Stepford Wives' 1975, 'Misery' 1990, 'The Baby' 1973 and
'House of Wax' 1953 with the integrity and style of 'Coma' 1978.
