The horror genre is set to be shaken up with the upcoming release of The Rule of Jenny Pen, directed by James Ashcroft and featuring powerhouse performances from John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush. Scheduled for theatrical release on March 7, 2025, this psychological thriller delves deep beneath the surface of everyday life, exposing the disturbing realities faced by elderly residents within retirement homes.
At the heart of this unsettling narrative is the character of Judge Stefan Mortensen, portrayed by Rush, who suffers from the aftermath of a near-fatal stroke. This leaves him partially paralyzed and confined to the lifeless halls of his retirement home, where he encounters the nefarious Dave Crealy, played by Lithgow. Crealy operates under the shadowy supervision of the sinister doll known as Jenny Pen, which plays an instrumental role in Crealy's terrifying game.
The movie, based on Owen Marshall’s short story and co-written by Ashcroft and Eli Kent, takes what is often perceived as innocent childhood bullying and transposes it to the aging population. Ashcroft noted, “I’d never considered it as something my aging parents might face,” referring to the often-underestimated prevalence of bullying among the elderly. The plot builds as Mortensen, feeling helpless against the oppressive atmosphere, resolves to confront Crealy and end the torment inflicted on residents who seem oblivious to the danger surrounding them.
Previewing the film’s unique unsettlingness, the official trailer reveals deep psychological themes intertwined with horror. Lithgow’s portrayal of Crealy promises to be chilling, as evidenced by the eerie scenes where he commands the doll, questioning, "Who rules?" This phrase encapsulates the manipulation and control Crealy exerts over the other residents, crafting his own morbid sense of power.
Notably, the film has already garnered attention and praise from influential figures, including horror legend Stephen King, who called The Rule of Jenny Pen “one of the best movies I've seen [in 2024].” His endorsement adds to the growing excitement surrounding the film’s release and speaks to its innovative approach to horror storytelling.
Filmed against the backdrop of Auckland, New Zealand, the film is produced by Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart, with executive producer credits shared among Ashcroft, Kent, Lithgow, Rush, Emily Gotto, Nicholas Lazo, and Samuel Zimmerman. This powerhouse team aims to shed light on often inflicted terror through the lens of creativity and empathy.
The narrative not only explores the psychological struggles of its characters but also sheds light on the broader societal issues of neglect and bullying among the elderly. With the prevalence of such themes today, this film promises to spark conversations and create awareness about sensitive yet significant topics.
Ashcroft expressed his intent for The Rule of Jenny Pen to serve as more than just entertainment, pushing audiences to reflect on the realities of aging and the potential cruelties faced by vulnerable populations. His directorial debut with the horror thriller Coming Home in the Dark already set the standard for terrifying narratives, and with his follow-up, audiences brace for another chilling experience.
What is perhaps most intriguing about The Rule of Jenny Pen is its blend of horror with relatable life experiences, turning the everyday fears of aging and vulnerability toxic and distressing. To achieve this, the film engages relatable fears—of losing control, of being forgotten, and worse, of being bullied within one’s own home—and magnifies them through its dark lens.
Having premiered at Fantastic Fest earlier, the film is anticipated to reach wider audiences not only through theatrical run but will also be available for streaming on Shudder post-release. The thoughtful construction of the characters paired with the unique premise aims to establish new benchmarks for horror movies centered around psychological trauma.
With just weeks remaining until its debut, horror fans and casual viewers alike are encouraged to watch the trailer, now available online. The Rule of Jenny Pen appears ready to capture imaginations and provoke necessary discussions, raising awareness about the often overlooked struggles of aging individuals.