In theaters Friday, March 7, 2025, through IFC Films, The Rule of Jenny Pen is a chilling Horror Thriller from New Zealand Filmmaker James Ashcroft, whose previous work, Coming Home in the Dark (2021), left audiences shook with its brutal themes of revenge, guilt, and the cycles of abuse.
Also coming to Shudder as of March 28, 2025, in this bleak and uncomfortable follow-up film, Ashcroft continues to explore abuse in the context of a nursing home. The film features powerhouse performances from John Lithgow (Blowout 1981, 3rd Rock From The Sun series) and Geoffrey Rush (Shine 1996, The King’s Speech 2010), who drive the tension with their push-and-pull dynamic, skillfully navigating a complex relationship of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. The story centers on a former judge, trapped in his stroke-ridden body in a secluded rest home, who must confront an elderly psychopath wielding a child’s puppet to terrorize the home’s residents.
As if getting old was not scary enough, setting a Horror film in the confines of a nursing home amplifies the terror by highlighting the vulnerability and isolation that come with aging. The sterile, oppressive environment—where the residents are physically and emotionally trapped—becomes the perfect backdrop for dread to seep in. In The Rule of Jenny Pen, the nursing home is not just a place of care but a prison where the frailty of the human body meets a relentless, predatory evil.
The cinematography reinforces this sense of entrapment, using tight framing and dimly lit corridors to create an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere. The camera lingers uncomfortably on moments of suffering, making the audience feel the same inescapable stress and helplessness as the residents themselves. Elder abuse is a real threat to those who live in these facilities, and while the horrific abuse in the film does not come from the staff, their indifference and failure to intervene allow the torment to escalate.
The neglect of the residents, who are left to suffer and, in some cases, die, underscores the chilling reality that these vulnerable individuals are often forgotten and trapped in a system that is supposed to protect them. The film intensifies this fear, portraying the terrifying idea that those who are meant to care for the elderly can be complicit in their suffering, adding another layer of horror to the story.
The standout aspect of the film is the compelling performances of Lithgow and Rush, as well as Dave Crealy and Judge Stefan Mortenson. While Horror often features maniacal and ruthless villains, Lithgow’s portrayal of Dave is undeniably one of the most chilling to hit the big screen in recent memory. The role subverts expectations—who would anticipate such evil from an elderly man in a nursing home? Yet, with each new act of cruelty, Lithgow’s character shocks and unsettles, revealing a ruthless nature unleashed upon those who are vulnerable and essentially powerless.
Furthermore, Lithgow’s performance leaves a lasting impact, making Dave a truly terrifying villain. Rush’s portrayal of Stefan is equally captivating—though his character is not without flaws, audiences will cringe as they watch him endure Dave’s relentless torment. Stefan’s struggle is as much internal as it is physical, with Rush deftly balancing moments of vulnerability and defiance. Not only is Stefan dealing with a ruthless bully, he is coming to terms with his new life without independence and a lack of control. His torment is not just about survival but about preserving his dignity in a place where he has been stripped of power.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is powerful and unsettling. It taps into deep-seated fears of aging—losing independence, being forgotten, and becoming vulnerable to harm. The film preys on these anxieties, forcing viewers to confront the harsh realities of growing old. Blending Psychological Horror with real-world dread, it is a well-executed and thought-provoking experience—one that audiences should see but may not want to revisit.
Shining a light on a relevant societal issue while delivering something unique to the Horror genre, The Rule of Jenny Pen earns 3.5 out of 5 stars from Cryptic Rock.
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