Hagsploitation is a subgenre of horror that has recently gained popularity. That’s a wild word, but it means exactly what it sounds like: horror films focusing on deranged older women. It may seem surprising that this exists, but it does. A few examples of the most recent films that qualify for this category are The Visit (2015), Hereditary (2018) and X (2022). The most famous examples of this genre include the classics What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) and Mommie Dearest (1981).
While I do consider all these films to be excellent in their ways, I can’t help but feel discouraged when older people are used for the sake of horror. That is the empath in me speaking, but without taking it too seriously, I do enjoy this subgenre.
While hagsploitation mainly focuses on older female characters, men are not entirely excluded; we just don’t see them as much. Enter the new Shudder original, The Rule of Jenny Pen starring Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow. It is a story about an older bully with a creepy puppet in a retirement home. Those two names alone enticed me to check out this movie. I had little to no preconceived notions about what to expect from this film other than the creepy baby doll with hollow eyes featured on the poster.
Jenny Pen premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin last year and was acquired by Shudder to be released on the platform. It was previously unavailable to the festival’s virtual press, but I have had it on my radar since then, so I had to check it out. This psychological horror film is an adaptation of a short story by Owen Marshall. Short films being adapted into longer movies is a popular trend, lately.
“Where there are no lions, hyenas rule.”
Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush) passes a sentence in court and suddenly collapses. He suffers a stroke and is left partially immobile in his legs. To his dismay, Stefan is admitted to a care home for older people. He is forced to share a room with Tony (played by George Henare, who is a target of the resident bully, Dave Crealy, who is played by Lithgow). Crealy appears childlike and sweet around the staff, but the care home is his playground for evil deeds and manipulation. He wears a therapy doll named Jenny Pen on his hand, which he uses to speak for him or to degrade the other residents during the late-night hours.
The movie reminds me of the trend that circulated a few years ago, where people placed horror music soundtracks over non-horror films. For instance, one person did this for Mrs. Doubtfire, a well-known family comedy, and made it seem far more menacing through a tension-filled score and clever editing. The Rule of Jenny Pen feels very much like this. I found the tone incredibly uneven because there is so much dark comedy.
I laughed more than I cowered under my blanket on the couch. The movie tries to blend dark humor and violence, but it is a miss, overall.
This film truly shines in its direction and cinematography, showcasing a skillful blend of visual storytelling that enhances the narrative. The meticulous shots of long, dimly lit hallways and expansive-yet-empty rooms evoke a palpable sense of claustrophobia, immersing the viewer in the atmosphere. Cinematographer Matt Henley, though perhaps not widely recognized yet, exhibits a remarkable talent that suggests a promising career ahead. His eye for framing and composition elevates the film, transforming ordinary scenes into visually striking moments.
This synergy between Henley’s camera work and James Ashcroft’s direction creates a captivating viewing experience. Kudos to this dynamic duo for their exceptional collaboration on those efforts.
It goes without saying that the performances by Rush and Lithgow give this movie more credibility than just another horror film featuring a demented doll. Rush plays an overly educated curmudgeon to the extreme, making it hard for the viewer to root for him while also feeling some empathy. Lithgow has always portrayed comical characters exceptionally well, but this time, as an over-the-top evil antagonist, he takes it to another level of extremity.
No matter the role, I’ve always been programmed to laugh at Lithgow. This one is no exception — especially when he incorporates the help of his puppet and the lewd acts he has his victims perform on her. I don’t know if I should laugh or cringe in disgust.
It’s safe to say that the central theme is the sometimes-incredible mistreatment of older adults, whether in a care home or in everyday life. We see many instances in this film where Judge Stefan reports Crealy, yet the situation remains unresolved. His roommate fears his family will see him as weak if he reports Crealy. Bullying is brutal for me to watch, regardless of age. Thus, I felt sadder for these characters and their story than any sense of enjoyment, when it was over.
The Rule of Jenny Pen’s script misses the mark in blending dark comedy and horror. It’s hard for me to describe it as a “horror” because, in reality, it’s about a bully in a retirement home. While this bully does some horrific things, it isn’t enough to create enough terror and suspense. There just wasn’t enough depth. I would have liked more lore behind the puppet, Jenny Pen. We know she’s a therapy doll, and there is a song Crealy enjoys that mentions her name, but what’s her story?
I expected more of an Annabelle-type vibe from the puppet, but that ultimately gets left by the wayside.
The second act is so overly repetitive, and this is where it lost my full attention. At 104 minutes, a lot could have been trimmed, especially during the second act. I’ve said this before, and I’ll repeat it: Some short films aren’t meant to be full-length features, and this is one of them.
Overall, I rate The Rule of Jenny Pen at two and a half out of five stars. The film is entertaining enough for a one-time viewing, offering a few moments of dark humor and mild suspense. However, it lacks the depth and originality to secure a place on my list of the year’s Top 10 films. If you’re in the mood for something easy and don’t mind a predictable plot, I recommend giving it a shot for some enjoyable laughs and a bit of tension.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is streaming now on Shudder.