Written and directed by James Ashcroft, co-written by Eli Kent, confined to a secluded rest home and trapped within his stroke-ridden body, a former Judge must stop an elderly psychopath who employs a child’s puppet to abuse the home’s residents with deadly consequences. Starring: John Lithgow, Geoffrey Rush and George Henare.
One of the interesting things about The Rule of Jenny Pen is that a lot of people are likely put off by it or find it too disturbing because it involves the elderly but that can be a good example of the issues it’s exploring. That sensitivity often comes from a place of treating the elderly as incapable or unaware, and something that can be internalised by them as a result. Although, that’s not to say it isn’t plenty disturbing, with or without that subconscious bias, it certainly is. Their vulnerability is a key element to the story but they’re also not so vulnerable that they can’t fight back. They also have to fight back even harder because it’s not just their abuser they’re taking on but the staff who patronise and smugly placate them as well.
Arguably, the staff in The Rule of Jenny Pen are particularly incompetent and lazy, but that feels like a reasonably realistic portrayal of the experiences of a lot of elderly people. James Ashcroft and Eli Kent also keep a good sense of realism by never forgetting their ailments and struggles, they’re a solid part of the story alongside the abuse. It’s a strong tale of psychological warfare and sociopathy but it feels like it never truly delves into the background that set Dave (John Lithgow) down this path of causing misery everywhere he goes and needing power. It’s a missing link that holds the film back from rounding itself out in a satisfying way, which is highlighted more by Ashcroft employing a slow pacing.
Although, there is a great attempt to bring a stronger energy into the direction. There’s a lot of movement in key moments, rather than staying with that quieter, still style. Of course, there’s also no denying that Ashcroft creates an atmosphere teeming with tension and suspense. It’s definitely disturbing in a different way than your typical Shudder outing but it’s intensely effective. In no small part due to the performances, it is one hell of a vehicle for a highly memorable role from John Lithgow.
John Lithgow has proved time and time again his skills for the dark and sadistic but if you wanted to watch one performance to unquestionably prove his talent, it would be The Rule of Jenny Pen. The character he creates is genuinely vile and abhorrent, and it’s possibly one of his best portrayals for how deeply twisted Dave is, giving Dexter’s Trinity Killer a run for his money. He’s exceptionally cruel and Lithgow does such a terrific job of capturing how disgustingly easy it is to deceive when you’re constantly underestimated.
However, he finally meets his match in Geoffrey Rush’s Stefan, he may be physically limited after his stroke but he’s more than sharp enough that he’s not going to put up with a bully. The battle between them is a quiet one but compelling and vicious. Rush brings a fierceness and refusal to give up, creating one of the only residents who hasn’t resigned to their situation, the spark they all need to finally push back.
Something that’s best portrayed by a surprise standout here, which is George Henare. His performance as Tony provides a vulnerable, sweet and sad side to The Rule of Jenny Pen. The way that his connection with Stefan evolves over the film is unexpectedly one of the strongest elements that it has to offer. The way that Stefan is so coarse but that pushes Tony, reminding him that he doesn’t have to give up and let bullies win, that he still has something to offer. It’s a surprising message for such a disturbing film but it is there, that need to stop internalising the patronising image others have of the elderly.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is not an easy watch, James Ashcroft has created a unique kind of horror, thriller blend that’s perhaps too realistic for some. It will be divisive but there’s no arguing that it isn’t effective, it’s grippingly harsh and cruel. John Lithgow gives an unforgettable performance and is maniacal in such an unusual way. The key thing holding it back however is not resolving its mystery, considering their fight is so embedded in psychology, it doesn’t take enough time to dig into Dave’s. It’s also slightly slow and runs a little longer than you might expect but it’s definitely one that will stick with you for quite a while.
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