WTF New Zealand? The Rule of Jenny Pen

 

Lord Farquaad 'O'Doyle Rules' Capt. Barbosa and the gang into Shining Misery until One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. 

The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024) is a New Zealand psychological horror film directed by James Ashcroft, based on a short story by Owen Marshall. The film stars Geoffrey Rush as Stefan Mortensen, a retired judge who, after suffering a stroke, is placed in a care home. There, he encounters Dave Crealy, portrayed by John Lithgow, a long-term resident who terrorizes fellow patients using a sinister puppet named Jenny Pen. (She rules!)

The movie follows themes of aging, vulnerability*, and psychological torment, as Stefan, confined by his physical limitations, confronts the malevolent presence of Dave and his puppet. (So rude. Her name is Jenny.) The film clearly draws from David Lynch's psychosexual antics. If you're a fan, make sure you watch this asap. 

Once you mention that the bad guy uses a doll to mess with people I think it's fair to say it's a weird fucking movie. Lithgow.....did that. Honestly, it's so bizarre it's hard to say if I liked it or not but it was definitely interesting, not boring. 

*Please be aware of potential triggers: SA

See this review on Letterboxd.