Shudder's theatrical releases usually signal something special, a cut above their streaming fare. Sadly, The Rule of Jenny Pen breaks that trend. While the film taps into a genuinely unsettling fear - the isolating and degrading reality of aging in a poorly managed care facility - (well at least for me), it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling horror experience.
James Ashcroft's direction certainly sets a bleak and claustrophobic tone, effectively portraying the decaying environment of the rest home. The performances are strong, particularly Geoffrey Rush's portrayal of the stroke-ridden Judge, Stefan Mortensen. Rush conveys a chilling vulnerability and simmering rage despite the limitations of his character's physical state. John Lithgow and Nathaniel Lees also deliver solid performances, adding to the ensemble of troubled and vulnerable residents.
However, the film's central conceit - an elderly psychopath using a child's puppet to inflict abuse is menacing and truly terrifying. Unfortunately, this underlying dread is weighed down by a plodding pace and a lack of genuine scares. The film drags on far too long, dwelling on the misery of its setting without offering sufficient narrative momentum or tension. The result is a film that is more depressing than terrifying.
The real horror of The Rule of Jenny Pen lies in its depiction of the dehumanizing aspects of elder care. The film effectively portrays the sense of helplessness and isolation experienced by the residents, and the casual cruelty of some of the staff. This is where the film succeeds, tapping into a genuine and deeply unsettling fear.
While The Rule of Jenny Pen may resonate with those who find the inherent horror of aging and institutionalization compelling, it ultimately fails to deliver the thrills and chills expected from a Shudder theatrical release. It's a somber meditation on mortality, but a disappointing horror film.
