PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of my favorite films from the past couple years is Saint Maud, a psychological horror film from Rose Glass which stars Morfydd Clark, who gives a deeply tragic performance as Maud. When I saw the poster awhile back for Starve Acre, and saw it was a folk horror film starring not only Morfydd Clark, but Matt Smith, I got really excited. Luckily I was given the chance to review the film.
Read on to check out my thoughts on Starve Acre!
Synopsis
When their son starts acting strangely, a couple unwittingly allow dark and sinister forces into their home, awakening a long-dormant ancient evil rooted deep in the countryside.
Starve Acre was written and directed by Daniel Kokotajo (Apostasy) based on the novel by Andrew Michael Hurley. The film stars Morfydd Clark (Saint Maud), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Erin Richards (Gotham), Roger Barclay (The Snowman), Sean Gilder (The Fall) and Robert Emma (Andor).
Starve Acre is a film where every frame permeates with dread. The whole thing feels off, like something is definitely not right in the characters’ world. The score, composed by Matthew Herbert, is used to maximum effect to keep viewers creeped out and on edge. The effects here, mainly those of a rabbit, are deeply disturbing. This rabbit is the most unnerving animal on film since The Witch‘s Black Phillip. The deaths, while there aren’t many, are shocking in their brutality and emotional impact.
Morfydd Clark gives an exquisite performance as Juliette, a woman who has suffered a recent loss. She experiences extreme grief and guilt, to the point of it being debilitating.
Matt Smith, for his part, gives a stunning performance as her husband Richard. He deals with the loss in his own way, shutting down and remaining mostly stoic, though he’s prone to bouts of rage, as the tragedy brings back the immense trauma he experienced as a child.
Watching these two loving parents slowly and gradually descend into madness is exhausting and painful. Like watching someone you love turn into a monster.
Erin Richards performance as Harrie, Juliette’s supportive older sister, grounds the film and is the sole source of light in the darkness. The film’s final act delivers shocks and twists in spades, leaving viewers with an ending that will leave them shaken.
Final Thought
Starve Acre is a deeply unsettling and emotionally upsetting horror film grounded by stellar performances from Morfydd Clark, Matt Smith and Erin Richards. It’s tells a story with emotional weight balanced carefully with shocking acts of violence which leave the audience devastated. Starve Acre is easily my my number one horror film of the year. Highly recommended.
Starve Acre is now available on demand and digital platforms.
