Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word

Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word is a 2016 film directed by Simon Rumley. It is a work of fiction based on the Jesse Quackenbush documentary The Last Word, about the trial, conviction, and execution of a Texas man named Johnny Frank Garrett. It played at the 2016 South by Southwest Midnighters, Festival Favorites, Shorts Programs and Special Events lineup

Based on a true story, Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word is a terrifying tale of vengeance from beyond the grave. On Halloween night 1981, Catholic nun Tadea Benz is brutally murdered. In a rush to judgment, law enforcement in Amarillo, Texas feel pressured to solve the case quickly amidst widespread panic and lynch mob anger. Soon a suspect emerges as 18-year-old Johnny Frank Garrett is arrested and put on trial.

Overlooking evidence that could have cleared his name, the jury passes swift judgment and Garrett is convicted and sentenced to death. From the time of his arrest until his dying breath Garrett professes his innocence, and following the execution a letter is found in his cell, promising retribution and cursing the souls of anyone connected with his demise.

Within weeks after his execution, Johnny's terrifying prophecy is unleashed as a series of unexplained deaths strike down those involved in the cover-up. As the list of victims grows, it is left to one conscience-stricken juror to exonerate Johnny and break his curse before it’s too late…

Dennis Harvey of Variety wrote that overall the movie "juggles eerie restraint and grotesque frenzy with confidence."

John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word was a "A schlocky fright flick where subtlety is a foreign language" and that it "may amuse hardcore genre fans but is unlikely to find takers for theatrical distribution."

Amarillo Film critic Curt McCarl said that audiences would "be better off with Jesse Quackenbushe's documentary" and that it's "shameful that an oppourtunity to tell an honest story was wasted on this schlock."