Review: Rule of Jenny Penn (2025) - A Psychological Horror That Falls Short
Rule of Jenny Penn is a psychological thriller/horror film that follows the unsettling events inside a secluded nursing home where eerie occurrences and sinister secrets unravel. John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush deliver gripping performances as two men whose lives become deeply entangled in the mysteries surrounding the facility. While the film presents an intriguing premise, it ultimately falls short due to plot inconsistencies and a lack of depth in its villain.
Strong Performances by Lithgow and Rush
One of the film's standout aspects is the stellar acting by John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush. Their characters are believable, drawing viewers into their emotional turmoil and psychological struggles. Their performances add layers to the story, keeping the audience engaged even when the plot falters. Throughout the film, their interactions remain tense and captivating, making their presence the highlight of the entire movie.
Plot Holes and Unanswered Questions
Despite its promising premise, Rule of Jenny Penn suffers from glaring plot holes that make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the story. One of the biggest issues is the unexplained lack of security and surveillance in the nursing home. Given the dark and disturbing events taking place, it seems highly improbable that there wouldn’t be at least some security measures in place. The absence of any reasonable explanation for this oversight weakens the narrative’s believability.
Another major flaw is the film’s underdeveloped antagonist. The villain is primarily shown through scattered wall staff photos, seemingly paying homage to Jack Nicholson’s portrayal in The Shining. However, without a substantial backstory, the character lacks depth and fails to generate the necessary dread and impact that a psychological horror film demands.
A Missed Opportunity for a Stronger Horror Experience
While the film builds an eerie atmosphere with its unsettling nursing home setting and psychological tension, it lacks the gore and traditional horror elements that some fans might expect. The slow pacing works in favor of the performances but fails to deliver a truly terrifying experience. If you have loved ones in nursing homes, this movie may hit too close to home and might not be the best viewing choice.
Box Office and Release Details
Despite its recognizable cast, Rule of Jenny Penn has had a lukewarm reception at the box office:
All-Time Domestic Box Office Rank: 11,346 ($254,953)
All-Time Worldwide Box Office Rank: 21,383 ($254,953)
All-Time Domestic R-Rated Rank: 4,251 ($254,953)
All-Time Worldwide R-Rated Rank: 4,990 ($254,953)
The film was released theatrically in the U.S. on March 7, 2025 by IFC Films, with international releases in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand later in March. A home video release is expected later in 2025 on Shudder.
Final Verdict: Skip the Theater, Wait for Streaming
Overall, Rule of Jenny Penn is a middling entry in the psychological horror genre. While Lithgow and Rush deliver compelling performances, the film’s weak plot and lack of a fully fleshed-out villain diminish its overall impact. Given its flaws, I wouldn’t recommend rushing to the theater for this one—it's better suited for a home viewing experience.
If you're a horror fan looking for deeper character development and a well-executed psychological thriller, this might not be the film for you. And if you have loved ones in a nursing home, this movie might feel more unsettling than entertaining.
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