The Rule of Jenny Pen

James Ashcroft’s “The Rule of Jenny Pen” is a dark exploration of ageing, cruelty, and power that hones in on the psychological brutality often hidden in elderly care facilities.

James Ashcroft’s The Rule of Jenny Pen is a dark exploration of ageing, cruelty, and power that hones in on psychological brutality, where frailty mutates into malice. Ashcroft explores how looming mortality, or perhaps a rebellion against a long-held sense of privilege, can drive a person to sinister acts.

For those expecting a “classic” portrayal of ageing and decline, Ashcroft’s work will come as a jolt. Starring Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, this film takes viewers into the grim dynamics at Royale Pine Mews, a retirement community. 

Lithgow’s character, Dave Crealy, wields a sinister power over other residents. He embodies his malicious intentions through a puppet named Jenny Pen, which he uses to torment fellow residents. Rush’s character, Judge Stefan Mortensen, is a newcomer to this world, recovering from a debilitating stroke and clinging to his past authority. He finds himself locked in a psychological and physical battle with Dave, who targets him mercilessly.

When you first see Jenny Pen, that creepy doll, the question immediately arises: “When is it time to stop playing?” Throughout the movie, we also notice a cat prowling around the community, almost like a spirit animal or silent observer. I understand what this symbol represents, but I’ll leave it open to you as you watch. It’s the kind of symbol that invites discussion and personal insight.

The film’s horror lies in the mundanity of ageing and the vulnerability of the elderly, magnified by Ashcroft’s unsettling cinematic choices. Frequent, disorienting close-ups, warped sounds, and nightmarish imagery intensify the sense of confinement and psychological decay. Lithgow’s portrayal of a disturbingly gleeful tyrant and Rush’s dignified yet faltering resistance add enough psychological complexity to elevate the film.

While “The Rule of Jenny Pen” may not entirely deliver on the profound insights it aims to explore, its unique horror perspective on ageing, powerlessness, and the disturbing potential for cruelty in the twilight years make it a compelling, sometimes disjointed experience. Fans of psychological horror with a penchant for character-driven conflicts may find it intriguing despite its imperfections.