Are you ready for a chilling descent into psychological terror? Following its theatrical release, The Rule of Jenny Pen arrives on Shudder this weekend. This gripping thriller stars the formidable duo of John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush. It promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Directed by James Ashcroft, who co-wrote the script with Eli Kent, it is based on Owen Marshall’s story. The film delves into the unraveling psyche of Judge Stefan Mortensen, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush. Once a figure of authority and arrogance, Mortensen is forced to confront his mortality and the horrors of a retirement home after suffering a debilitating stroke.
An Unsettling Atmosphere
The film’s unsettling atmosphere is amplified by the dynamic between Mortensen and his enigmatic roommate, Dave Crealy, played with chilling precision by John Lithgow. Crealy, beneath his seemingly benign facade, secretly orchestrates a sadistic game. He terrorizes the residents with a creepy doll as his instrument of cruelty.
As things escalate, Mortensen finds himself thrust into a desperate struggle to regain control of both his sanity and the increasingly perilous situation unfolding around him. He must find a way to stop Crealy before his twisted game claims more victims. He is left navigating a labyrinth of psychological manipulation and escalating violence.
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Nathaniel Lees, Maaka Pohatu, Thomas Sainsbury, and Holly Shanahan. Each contributes to the unsettling atmosphere and complex relationships within the retirement home.
Critical Acclaim
The Rule of Jenny Pen has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning multiple awards at prestigious film festivals. James Ashcroft was recognized with the Best Director award at Fantastic Fest. Lithgow and Rush received accolades for their exceptional performances, winning Best Actor at Fantastic Fest and Sitges, respectively.
The film, which HorrorFuel’s Joseph Perry calls a “gripping, disturbing addition to the subgenre” in his spoiler-free review, has also resonated strongly with audiences. Stephen King praised it as “one of the best movies I’ve seen all year.” This endorsement from the master of horror underscores the film’s ability to deliver a genuinely unsettling and memorable cinematic experience.
The Rule of Jenny Pen, brought to you by IFC Films and Shudder, offers a masterclass in psychological suspense. It explores themes of power, vulnerability, and the terrifying potential for cruelty that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
Watch it This Weekend
Grab a bag of popcorn, put on your sweat pants, and settle in for a chilling experience when the film arrives on Shudder on Friday, March 28.
