The folk-horror genre continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of eerie landscapes and deeply embedded pagan mysteries. Starve Acre, the latest offering from director and writer Daniel Kokotajlo, is a prime example of this trend. Based on Andrew Michael Hurley’s novel of the same name, the film is now streaming on Shudder, offering viewers a haunting journey into the English countryside. At its core, Starve Acre is a tale of a family unraveled by both personal traumas and supernatural forces, set against the backdrop of a land steeped in ancient curses.
The story centers around Jules (Morfydd Clark) and Richard (Matt Smith), a married couple living in a remote, rural area with their young son Owen (Arthur Shaw). Richard, an archaeology professor, is drawn back to the family home where he endured a troubled childhood under his father’s harsh rule. Despite the ominous history of the land, Richard sees an opportunity to uncover its secrets through an archaeological dig, a decision that inevitably awakens forces best left buried. The couple’s life begins to unravel when Owen exhibits disturbing behavior, culminating in a shocking incident where he mutilates a pony during a community gathering. Desperate for answers, Jules and Richard seek help from doctors and psychologists, but soon realize that their son’s actions may be tied to something far more sinister than they initially thought.
As tensions rise, Owen begins to speak of a figure named "Jack Grey," a name rooted in local folklore that Richard is reluctant to discuss. The arrival of Gordon (Sean Gilder), an old family acquaintance, brings additional unease, as his cryptic references to the past only deepen the mystery. Meanwhile, Jules starts to show signs of a darker influence, hinting at a malevolent force at work within the family. Richard, increasingly obsessed with his dig, uncovers a chilling discovery: the bones of a rabbit that mysteriously regenerate before his eyes. This supernatural event becomes a focal point for the family’s spiraling descent into madness and despair.
The film’s atmosphere is undeniably крепкий, laden with the oppressive weight of grief, loss, and trauma. Kokotajlo masterfully crafts a slow-burn narrative, avoiding cheap jump scares in favor of a gradual descent into unsettling weirdness. The performances of Clark and Smith are standout, their intensity drawing viewers into the film’s relentless dread. Supporting actors like Erin Richards, who plays Jules’s concerned sister Harrie, add depth to the unfolding horror. While the film doesn’t shy away from the bizarre—most notably, the sinister rabbit that becomes a recurring motif—it maintains a serious tone throughout, refusing to surrender to outright camp.
Starve Acre inevitably draws comparisons to classic folk-horror films like The Wicker Man and more recent efforts such as The Witch. The sinister rabbit, brought to life through animatronic puppetry, feels like a nod to the surreal nightmare of Donnie Darko. However, the film carves out its own identity through its exploration of familial dysfunction and the inescapable pull of dark legacies. The lack of clear resolution will frustrate some viewers, but it’s a deliberate choice that leaves the mystery lingering long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, Starve Acre is a well-crafted addition to the folk-horror genre, offering a compelling mix of atmospheric dread and psychological tension. While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers a haunting experience that fans of the genre are sure to appreciate. If you’re in the mood for a slow-burning, eerie tale with a strong performances and a memorable setting, Starve Acre is worth a watch. STREAM IT.
