'Unhinged' and 'disturbing' horror Stephen King called 'best he's seen' now streaming free
The star-studded film has won legions of fans including the iconic horror author
A little-known psychological horror film that stars an Oscar winner and counts Stephen King among its fans is now available to watch for free.
Described by viewers as a "disturbing" and "unhinged" watch, The Rule of Jenny Pen stars Geoffrey Rush as formidable judge Stefan Mortensen, who is forced to retire and move to an assisted living facility after having a stroke in the courtroom.
While there, he encounters Dave Crealy (John Lithgow), a troubled man who uses a terrifying plastic puppet he calls Jenny Pen to abuse his fellow residents.
Despite thinking his stay at the facility will only be temporary, Stefan's failing health means his chances of escape are slim and he is faced with a major dilemma as he also becomes a victim of Dave's abuse and sees his friend subjected to worsening treatment via the dementia doll.
READ MORE: Tragic real-life deaths that inspired 'insane' new Stephen King adaptation The MonkeyREAD MORE: Stephen King gives blessing to 'insane' and 'sadistic' horror film as fans watch trailer '16 times'The horror boasts a 76 per cent critics' score on review site Rotten Tomatoes. However, many viewers have been left divided over it, with the film scoring a modest 57 per cent rating from audiences.
Among its fans was horror author Stephen King, who was full of praise for the 2024 release. "I watched one of the best movies I've seen this year. it's called The Rule of Jenny Pen, and I urge you to watch it," he gushed.
Meanwhile another film fan shared: "The primary source of enjoyment from The Rule of Jenny Pen comes from watching two veteran scene-stealers like John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush go at each other.
"Lithgow has portrayed memorable psychopaths before (Raising Cain, Showtime’s Dexter), but never one like Dave Crealy. Malicious and vicious, he’s a vengeful id with no restraint or remorse."
A third viewer penned: "This one struck a nerve with me. Performances were amazing. The feeling of dread just did not let up. It kept tapping at my very real fears of losing my sanity and aging to the point I can't care for myself."
The 2024 film was adapted from a short story of the same name by Owen Marshall and has just been released on horror streaming platform Shudder. The platform offers new customers a free seven-day trial meaning the film can be viewed without charge.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is now streaming on Shudder