Shudder Buys ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen,’ Thriller With John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for the darker side of cinema, I can’t help but be intrigued by the upcoming release of “The Rule of Jenny Pen.” With such an illustrious cast led by Oscar-winning heavyweights John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush, under the direction of James Ashcroft who made a splash with his Sundance debut, this film promises to be a chilling masterpiece.


Shudder has secured the rights for the gripping thriller “Jenny Pen’s Decision,” a movie centered around a judge suffering from a stroke, determined to halt an elderly, dangerous psychopath. This film boasts the talent of Oscar-nominee John Lithgow and Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush in leading roles. The film was helmed by director James Ashcroft, who collaborated with Eli Kent on the screenplay.

As a movie connoisseur, I’m excited to share that “The Rule of Jenny Pen” is set to make its grand entrance on the global stage! This chilling masterpiece, crafted with horror, thriller, and supernatural elements, will first be unveiled at Fantastic Fest 2024. Following its premier, it will find a permanent home on Shudder, a streaming service owned by AMC Networks, renowned for its darker, spine-tingling content. In the year 2025, horror enthusiasts across North America, the U.K., and Ireland can look forward to immersing themselves in this terrifying tale. Stay tuned!

Ashcroft first appeared in a movie with “Coming Home in the Dark,” which had its initial screening at the Sundance Film Festival. On the other hand, Lithgow has showcased his talent in films like “Terms of Endearment,” “Cliffhanger,” and “The World According to Garp.” In television, he received Emmys for roles on “Dexter,” “Third Rock From the Sun,” and “The Crown.” Unlike them, Rush gained an Oscar for his role in “Shine” and was also seen in “Quills” and “The King’s Speech.

The movie revolves around Judge Stefan Mortensen (played by Rush), a man known for his arrogance, who experiences a severe stroke and becomes partially incapacitated, leading him to reside in a retirement home. In this facility, he encounters Dave Crealy (Lithgow), who appears kind but is secretly tormenting the residents with a malicious game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while using his dementia doll as a tool for cruelty. Despite his pleas to the staff being ignored, Mortensen decides to take matters into his own hands and stop Crealy’s tyranny.

Working alongside two acting legends, Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, was an extraordinary experience that I won’t forget. Collaborating with Shudder and kicking off Fantastic Fest 2024 feels like the perfect way to ignite this film’s release into the world. It’s a great honor to be part of a festival known for its impressive lineup of premieres, such as ‘There Will Be Blood,’ ‘Antichrist,’ and ‘Smile.’ I can hardly wait to introduce our exceptional cast and crew’s work to the festival-goers. Shudder has consistently pushed boundaries in genre cinema, always championing filmmakers; there’s no better place for ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen.'” Ashcroft said.

As a devoted movie buff, I’ve been captivated by the work of James Ashcroft ever since his haunting debut ‘Coming Home in the Dark’ graced the screens at Sundance. His uncanny ability to create deeply human characters in distressing situations delves deep into the heart of darkness, offering a gripping experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With powerhouse performances from John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush, ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’ is a film that will leave an indelible mark on you.

The Rule of Jenny Pen” was created by Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart, with executive production handled by Ashcroft, Kent, Lithgow, Rush, Emily Gotto from Shudder, Nicholas Lazo, and Samuel Zimmerman.

As a passionate cinephile, I had the pleasure of being part of the negotiations, representing Shudder, alongside my colleague Nick Ogiony, who was there for the filmmakers, all of whom were represented by CAA. Interestingly enough, Ashcroft is also under the representation of CAA and Grandview.

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2024-09-12 17:16