The Rule of Jenny Pen

Lore & Background

The film is set in a care home for the elderly, where one resident, Dave Crealy, severely harms the others under his tyrannical rule, unbeknownst to staff. The plot follows Stefan Mortensen, an elderly judge who suffers a stroke and takes up residence in the home, where he witnesses Crealy's nightly bullying and terrorizing of residents, including throwing urine and forcing another resident to grovel to a hand puppet called Jenny Pen. Stefan attempts to complain but is rebuffed after Crealy plants stolen items in his room.

Reader's Guide

The Rule of Jenny Pen was filmed in Taupō, Wellington, and Lower Hutt, New Zealand, in 2023, with Wairakei Resort used for the rest home setting. It was acquired by IFC Films / Shudder for distribution in North America, the UK, and Ireland. The film received generally favorable reviews, with a 71% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 102 critics. It won best director for Ashcroft at Fantastic Fest, and Lithgow and Rush shared the best actor award at Sitges Film Festival. The film is noted for its unhinged performance by Lithgow and its bracingly malicious tale of elder abuse.

Did You Know?

• The film is based on a short story by Owen Marshall, who appeared as an extra in the film.
• John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush shared the best actor award at Spain's Sitges Film Festival in October 2024.
• The film was released on Shudder and AMC+ on 27 March 2025.
• The care home's pet cat is labeled by residents as an omen of imminent death.