The Wasteland Reviewer

The Rule of Jenny Pen (2025) Written Review

Have you ever met someone who you knew would become a thorn in your side from the moment you locked eyes with them? There are those types of people who will become the bane of your existence. The just might become your arch-nemesis…if you want to be that hyperbolic with such a label. There are certain people who just bring an energy that is the anti-thesis to your experience and will just ruin the whole experience for you. Having to go in for a stay at a nursing home is not exactly a walk in the park to begin with but having an antagonist in that space will certainly not help either. That is the reality of Geoffrey Rush’s stroke-ridden judge meets his match in the form of a wild resident (John Lithgow) and his disturbing hand puppet…Jenny Pen.

Does this new confined horror film deliver the needed scares? Writer/director James Ashcroft certainly found himself quite an unnerving atmosphere to craft The Rule of Jenny Pen. The block and framing are quite crisp (thanks to the work of cinematographer Matt Henley) while the camera moves in specific and unnerving ways to maximize the thrills. There are some moments with shocking imagery (including an early moment of an accidental blaze engulfing a resident). You know from the opening courtroom sequence that this film will have the right craft to unsettle and unnerving. The way the camera navigates the space around Jenney Pen makes that creepy doll even more terrifying each passing moment. The lighting and shadow is accentuated well for the creep moments at night as Lithgow’s impish character wreaks havoc on Rush and their fellow residents. The imagery and consistent set up do wonders for the genre elements of this story.

But does the story hold up? Ashcroft had a great basis with a short story from renowned writer Owen Marshall. But this film does feel a bit too much like a short story stretched thin. Narratively, the film does get repetitive. You can only watch Lithgow’s character (and hand puppet in tow) commit uncomfortable acts so many times. There are certainly some moments where the film seems to lose steam waiting for the next big narrative beat to drive the story forward. There are also plenty of characters who are quite a one-note that fill out this film with only the two main leads (and one additional supporting player) received much depth at all. The themes of aging and declining health are certainly present and getting an old-fashioned tale of rebellion against an oppressive force is quite engaging for sure. But by the time the credits rolled, there were probably some scenes that could have easily been done away with.

What are the two biggest selling points for this wild nursing home horror flick? Rush and Lithgow. You know you are in for something fun when you have two-character actors known for their commitment to any of their roles going to blows. Rush sets the tone from the opening scene (in that courtroom) that he is a cantankerous presence that is just oozing energy and sass for sure. His line-deliveries are always delightful as he sells the contempt and aggression in every word. But it is the physicality that shines so much in this film because the need to bring authenticity to his post-stroke existence is essential. Lithgow is having a blast as this unhinged presence (rocking an unexpected Kiwi accent) making big acting choices and making eerie voices to bring his puppet companion to life. There is something magical going on on-screen when Rush and Lithgow are going toe-to-toe with each other. Their big energy and completely committed performance really make this a worthwhile experience.

Does The Rule of Jenny Pen offer up a cinematic experience worth your time? The narrative might spend too much time spinning wheels for the liking of many. There are plenty of strangely triggering moments birthed out the insanity perpetrated by Jenny Pen and her human handler. But there are some impactful thematic elements about aging and this raucous conflict is quite entertaining. Ashcroft crafts a delightfully unnerving experience to tie the experience together. To be honest as well…you really cannot go wrong with the dynamite duo of Rush and Lithgow either.