The Rule of Jenny Pen stunned audiences during its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024. It was hard to know exactly what to expect out of this thriller set in a public care facility for senior citizens. Although the leads are John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush, so it promises an interesting time. It is hard to fully explain just how strange, dark, and hilarious this film is. The closest one can say as briefly as possible is that, if you've ever wondered what it would be like if Batman and The Joker ended up in the same old folks home, it might turn out to be something like this.

Rush plays a judge who, after having a stroke in the middle of a courtroom proceeding, is brought to a public care facility. Although the situation is only supposed to be temporary the prideful judge has trouble acclimating to his surroundings and connecting with the other residents. Unfortunately, his problems have only just begun, after catching the eye of an eccentric resident and his puppet. Thus begins a nightmarish rivalry in which the judge is increasingly tormented, as his health and mental state also seem to be in decline.

While Lithgow is known for his comedic strengths, his roles in Dexter, Blowout, and Ricochet have proven how good of a villain he can be. His chaotic energy knows no bounds in this role where we watch his hazing and pranks become increasingly terrifying. Rush is a great counterbalance to this as he plays the human equivalent of the “superego” and believes that law and order can protect him from anything he faces. The fact that you never know how far each of them is willing to go to beat the other puts viewers on edge as the story progresses. While the two of them steal the show it is also worth mentioning how Nathaniel Lees stands out as Rush's roommate, a man caught in between these two dueling forces.

While the film is based on a short story, it is impressive to see how co-writer/director James Ashcroft can turn the material into a full-length movie, balancing thrilling, comedic, and dramatic tones very well. While the movie is filled with surreal and bizarre imagery as well as jaw-dropping scenes, it also has beautifully crafted and touching monologues from the leads. Rush, Lithgow, and Lees all have impactful show-stopping moments in which we get a glimpse into how life has turned them into the people they are now.

As eccentric as The Rule of Jenny Pen is, it also manages to touch upon the delights and horrors of ageing and leaves one thinking about the legacy they wish to leave behind. It will be making its East Coast premiere later this month at Brooklyn Horror Fest so those interested in attending should keep this on their radar.

The Rule of Jenny Pen had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024 and is in UK and Ireland cinemas 14 March from Vertigo Releasing. IFC Films and Shudder will release the film in the US on 7 March.