"John Lithgow and a puppet form a menacing duo in the trailer for 'The Rule of Jenny Pen'"
In the realm of horror cinema, The Rule of Jenny Pen (2025) stands out as a unique and thought-provoking addition. Directed by James Ashcroft, this film tells the story of Judge Stefan Mortensen, played by Geoffrey Rush, who finds himself in a retirement home after suffering a near-fatal stroke.
However, his recovery proves to be a challenging journey, not just due to his physical condition, but also because of the sinister influence of another resident, Dave Crealy, portrayed by John Lithgow. Crealy's peculiar obsession lies with a hand puppet named Jenny Pen, a bald, eyeless children's puppet that he uses to terrorize the elderly residents, particularly Judge Mortensen, in the dead of night.
The film is based on Owen Marshall’s short story and co-written by Eli Kent. It uses the horror framework to delve into deeper themes such as elder abuse, aging, and societal neglect of older people, making it both a classic horror and an evocative social commentary.
John Lithgow's performance as the unhinged antagonist is particularly noteworthy for its terrifying impact, while Geoffrey Rush delivers a compelling portrayal of a once-powerful judge now vulnerable and battling both his physical limitations and psychological horror.
Critically, the movie received positive reviews for its suspenseful storytelling, psychological depth, and avoidance of horror clichés. It has been hailed by horror icon Stephen King as one of the best horror movies of the 21st century, highlighting its existential undertones and gripping narrative.
The film runs approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes and is rated R for violent content, language, and sexual assault. It was released in theaters on March 7, 2025, with streaming availability from March 28, 2025.
In summary:
- Plot: A paralyzed judge in a nursing home is terrorized by a fellow resident who uses a creepy puppet to haunt others.
- Themes: Elder neglect, abuse, and psychological horror intertwined with suspenseful drama.
- Performances: Geoffrey Rush as Stefan Mortensen and John Lithgow as Dave Crealy with the puppet "Jenny Pen."
- Reception: Critically praised for atmosphere, storytelling, and social commentary; endorsed by Stephen King as a standout modern horror film.
- The Rule of Jenny Pen features Jenny Pen, a bald, eyeless children's puppet.
The Rule of Jenny Pen, a chilling horror film from 2025, undeniably showcases Jenny Pen, a disturbing puppet that sadly contributes to the sinister environment of a retirement home. In the realm of entertainment, this thought-provoking production can be found on streaming platforms such as Google Movies-and-TV.
