The Rule of Jenny Pen directed by James Ashcroft based on the script he co-wrote with Eli Kent, had the world premiere on opening night at Fantastic Fest 2024 this month. The film follows Ashcroft’s acclaimed feature debut Coming Home in the Dark, which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film stars John Lithgow (“Dexter,” “The Crown” TV series) and Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean, The King’s Speech).
The Rule of Jenny Pen follows arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush), who suffers a near-fatal stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and confined to a retirement home. Resistant to the staff and distant from his friendly roommate, Mortensen soon clashes with seemingly gentle resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who secretly terrorizes the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. What begins as childish torment quickly escalates into far more sinister and disturbing incidents. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror.
At Fantastic Fest in the MAIN COMPETITION FEATURES category, The Rule of Jenny Pen won awards for Best Director: James Ashcroft and Best Actor: Geoffrey Rush.
This is absolutely one film I liked with such a well written and great script, aside from the amazing performances by Rush and Lithgow. Many times, you hear individuals (not only elders) say that they do not want to be sent to live in a nursing home. Dave Crealy (Lithgow) initially gives the appearance of a nice man, but he is anything but. I am trying to be careful not to state anything to spoil the story, as this is one film that may make potential nursing home residents to be sure to thoroughly investigate the history of the facility and what the rating the state investigators have given it. There should be enough staff on hand for the number of patients, as well as cameras to view what the patients do during the day, not just at night. Although this is not discussed nor mentioned in the film, Dave Crealy (Lithgow) sure has plenty of freedom to roam during the events for residents, as well as in the evening. This is a must-watch film.
Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and supernatural, has acquired the rights to The Rule of Jenny Pen. The rights will cover North America, UK and Ireland and will debut on the streamer in 2025.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is produced by Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart, and executive produced by Ashcroft, Eli Kent, John Lithgow, Geoffrey Rush, and Shudder’s Emily Gotto, Nicholas Lazo and Samuel Zimmerman.
Source: Shudder, Fantastic Fest
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