By Jack Ransom - March 17, 2025
Confined to a secluded rest home and trapped within his stroke-ridden body, The Rule of Jenny Pen sees a former Judge (Geoffrey Rush) attempt to stop an elderly psychopath (John Lithgow) who employs a child's puppet to abuse the home's residents with deadly consequences.
Shudder have been behind several solid horror streaming outings in recent memory (both original features and on producing duty), with Late Night with the Devil, Oddity, In a Violent Nature and Skinamarink all being notable discussion causers within the scene (I still need to see all 3 apart from Devil). This is certainly one of their better features. Featuring a superb double duel between Rush & Lithgow with a darkly disturbing, uncomfortable premise and claustrophobic setting.
There is a looming Stephen King-vibe that hangs over the proceedings (King himself praised the film profusely). The blend of domestic horror and fear that the elderly and vulnerable face (unfortunately a story you see crop up far too often in reality), alongside the purgatory/nether-zone-esque setting of the care home of which the titular Jenny Pen and her mad puppeteer are dominant over makes for a simultaneously bleak and off-kilter viewing. It may be somewhat surface level in some of its character work and story substance, but from a thrills and mood perspective the film excels.
It’s well paced and escalates effectively as Stefan (Rush) snootily navigates his new life post-stroke, desperately attempting to rebuild his strength and talking down on and barking at anyone that may attempt to form a connection with him. Once Dave Crealy (Lithgow) has his interest peaked and sets Jenny’s wrath upon on him a back and forth of humiliation, paranoia and violence unfolds in effective fashion.
Stylistically the film also excels. It may have that ‘streaming’ production quality at times, however director James Ashcroft knows how to craft a palpable sense of unease and to construct a consistent feeling of claustrophobia. The split-diopter shots, dolly zooms, harsh, disruptive camera angle placements, coupled with thoroughly distorting sound design and reality blips as Stefan’s condition pulsates through him.
Performance-wise the duo are both on fire. Rush’s intelligent, eloquent yet fiery and embittered ex-Judge desperately clings onto the authority and prowess he once had despite his ailing health and superiority he still somewhat feels around his peers and the staff. His clashing with Lithgow is a riot to watch unfold as Lithgow hams it up to 100. Am utterly maniacal and diabolically in your face performance. Ranging from bizarro dancing and singing, food theft and to remorseless manipulation, physical torment and uncomfortable personal intrusion.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is a twisted, creepy and focused tale centring around a captivating battle of wits. The setting and location is tight and suffocating, the performances are great, the discomfort is tangible and the film is paced well. It may feel a tad repetitive and undercooked in certain plot areas, however that doesn’t take away from the atmosphere and insanity.
Out now in UK cinemas
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