'The Rule of Jenny Pen' Explores Cruelty in Retirement Homes

The upcoming horror film 'The Rule of Jenny Pen,' directed by James Ashcroft, features John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush in leading roles, tackling the theme of senior citizen horror within the confines of a retirement home. Lithgow plays a sadistic resident, Dave Crealy, who terrorizes fellow residents with a puppet, while Rush portrays Judge Stefan Mortensen, a recent addition to the home who tries to stand against Crealy's tyranny. The film, based on Owen Marshall's short story, has gained critical acclaim, with both leads receiving Best Actor awards at Fantastic Fest 2024. Ashcroft, who co-wrote the script, aims to address serious issues related to aging, bullying, and neglect in elder care, a topic he is personally connected to. 'The Rule of Jenny Pen' is set to be released in theaters on March 7, 2025, before moving to Shudder. Critics have praised the film for its unique approach to horror that emphasizes psychological fear over typical jump scares.