The Rule of Jenny Pen is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the fragility of power and the terror of vulnerability. Directed by James Ashcroft, the film centres on Judge Stefan Mortensen, once a commanding presence in the courtroom, whose life is turned upside down after a stroke forces him into a nursing home. Here, his former authority is rendered meaningless, and he finds himself at the mercy of Dave Crealy, a devious patient who wields power through psychological manipulation and fear—using his eerie doll, Jenny Pen, as the centerpiece of his torment.
The film masterfully contrasts Stefan’s former life as a judge, where he ruled over criminals and scolded victims, with his current situation, where he is helpless and targeted. This reversal serves as a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of control. In his past life, Stefan’s authority was unquestioned, but in the nursing home, he’s reduced to a vulnerable figure, grappling with the harsh reality of being powerless.
Dave, physically capable and brimming with cruelty, embodies the opportunistic nature of those who rise to power when others are incapacitated. The dynamic between the two men is at the heart of the film, creating an atmosphere of mounting dread and tension. Mortensen uses this slow-burning conflict to highlight the psychological and emotional cost of losing control over one’s fate.
Without delving into spoilers, The Rule of Jenny Pen examines what happens when the lines between victim and oppressor blur. The film delivers sharp performances, particularly in how it portrays the haunting impact of psychological torment. It’s a story that taps into primal fears of helplessness, making for a harrowing, thought-provoking experience. This is a taut, unnerving thriller that leaves viewers contemplating the precariousness of power and the lengths we go to reclaim it.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
