Shudder has announced today that they’ve acquired the rights to psychological thriller The Rule of Jenny Pen, directed by James Ashcroft and co-written by Eli Kent and Ashcroft, and starring John Lithgow (“Dexter”, Pet Sematary) and Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean, Quills). The rights will cover North America, UK and Ireland. The Rule of […]
Shudder has announced today that they’ve acquired the rights to psychological thriller The Rule of Jenny Pen, directed by James Ashcroft and co-written by Eli Kent and Ashcroft, and starring John Lithgow (“Dexter”, Pet Sematary) and Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean, Quills).
The rights will cover North America, UK and Ireland. The Rule of Jenny Pen will world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024 later this month, and will debut on the streamer in 2025.
The film follows “arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush), who suffers a near-fatal stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and confined to a retirement home. Resistant to the staff and distant from his friendly roommate, Mortensen soon clashes with seemingly gentle resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who secretly terrorizes the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. What begins as childish torment quickly escalates into far more sinister and disturbing incidents. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror.”
The film follows Ashcroft’s acclaimed feature debut Coming Home in the Dark, which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Working with two of my acting heroes, Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Partnering with Shudder and opening Fantastic Fest 2024 is just the stick of cinematic dynamite with which I wanted to launch this film into the world. It’s humbling to be part of a festival whose legacy of premieres include THERE WILL BE BLOOD, ANTICHRIST and SMILE, and I cannot wait to share the incredible work of our cast and crew with their audiences,” said director James Ashcroft. “Shudder has always been groundbreaking in genre cinema, passionately committed to the vision of the filmmaker; I can think of no better home for THE RULE OF JENNY PEN.”
SVP of Acquisitions and Production for Shudder Emily Gotto commented, “We have been fans of James Ashcroft since his chilling debut COMING HOME IN THE DARK premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing his undeniable talent. His sharp eye for deeply observed characters and tragic circumstances explores the darkest corners of humanity with visceral thrills, and coupled with unforgettable performances from John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush, THE RULE OF JENNY PEN is a film that will linger with you long after viewing.”
