Judge Stefan Mortensen (Geoffrey Rush) was in court, preparing to deliver the consequences of the current hearing, when he suddenly felt unwell and collapsed in front of everyone. Shortly after the incident, Stefan ends up in a rest home for the elderly and the infirm. While healing, he uses a wheelchair, hoping to regain his independence as soon as possible. Meanwhile, as Stefan tries to settle into the home, he becomes increasingly dissatisfied with various aspects of the facility, including the rules, the staff, and other procedures, which only frustrate him further. To make matters worse, he learns that his stay will be in a double-occupancy room, leaving him little privacy and peace. However, of all Stefan’s issues and concerns, this may be the least of his worries.
In Stefan’s new home, he encounters an unusual older man named Dave Crealy, portrayed by John Lithgow. Dave seemingly cannot live without a children’s puppet called Jenny Pen and is never seen without it. As Stefan explores his new surroundings, he feels an unsettling intuition that there is more to Dave than it appears—and he is correct. Dave is creepy, disturbed, and twisted; in reality, he is a dangerously unstable psychopath. Confined to a wheelchair, Stefan is determined to uncover the truth about Dave’s behaviour before he or the other residents come to harm.
The Rule of Jenny Pen was co-written and directed by James Ashcroft, whose previous works include Home in the Dark (2021) and the upcoming feature The Whisper Man, which will star Robert De Niro. The film is based on the short story The Rule of Jenny Pen by Owen Marshall, published by Vintage NZ LTD. The Rule of Jenny Pen is a thriller that delves into psychological horror. To my surprise, horror manifests in various forms throughout the story. Dave and his eerie Jenny Pen doll puppet often create an unsettling atmosphere, but Stefan’s experience of living in his new home and old age adds a layer of true horror. The physical changes in Stefan heighten the tension and suspense within the home environment, as do diegetic sounds, such as the disconcerting screams of a patient in the background. As an older man facing numerous health challenges, Stefan’s struggle to regain the trust and support of caregivers becomes a form of horror.
As the film unfolded, I questioned the boundaries between reality and illusion. I frequently pondered whether Jenny Pen represented something supernatural or was merely a puppet controlled by Dave Crealy. Given the complex relationship between Stefan and Dave, I was eager to see how the film would ultimately conclude. It should be no surprise that Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow deliver incredible performances on-screen. Nothing about their acting in this film feels insincere or disappointing.
Overall, The Rule of Jenny Pen is a fantastic psychological horror film featuring outstanding performances from its leading actors, Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow. The film presents a highly creepy and terrifying atmosphere. While it includes unsettling elements such as a creepy puppet and unhinged elderly residents, the most disturbing aspect is witnessing individuals navigate life in their old age; it might honestly give me nightmares. The film’s pacing is solid, and its strong introduction kept me invested in the unfolding story. I was eager to see the outcomes and whether any of my suspicions would be validated. Ultimately, the ending is a bit softer and less thrilling than I had hoped, but the film remains a worthy entry in the horror genre, skillfully blending elements of mystery and suspense. It’s worth a watch.
The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024) will be available in Australian Cinemas from March 20th!
FILM SCORE: 7.2/10
Published: 18th March 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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