Starve Acre: Everything we know so far

On October 12, 2023, the BFI London Film Festival premiered Starve Acre. Daniel Kokotajlo, the director, and the film's dread and unease have been praised. The digital release on October 21, 2024, will bring this chilling story to more people.

Richard and Juliette's peaceful life in rural Yorkshire is disrupted by their son's disturbing behavior. The family's ancestral home, Starve Acre, turns out to be a character in the story, ominous and foreboding.

The film's haunting story combines horror and psychology. The couple discovers unsettling truths about their surroundings as they deal with their son's rising violence and strange spells. Dandelion Jack's menace makes Starve Acre a compelling fear and unknown story.

The official synopsis of the film says:

"When their son starts acting strangely, a couple unwittingly allows dark and sinister forces into their home, awakening a long-dormant ancient evil rooted deep in the countryside."

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The plot of Starve Acre

Starve Acre begins with Richard and Juliette moving to the rural countryside of Yorkshire in the 1970s. Their son, Owen, starts exhibiting erratic and violent behavior, which Richard initially dismisses, but Juliette senses something sinister at play.

As Richard looks through his father's belongings and the local folklore, they learn about a demonic entity named Jack Grey and the ancient oak tree that seems to hold dark powers.

Their strange neighbor, who tells local stories, complicates matters. The story is gripping and chilling due to their home's eerie and haunted atmosphere.

Themes and atmosphere

Yorkshire's 1970s rural setting heightens the unease. The way the movie portrays the psychological impact of isolation on the characters, particularly affecting their perception of reality, is intriguing.

The atmosphere, as portrayed in the novel as well as film, is quite fascinating. The film's visuals and cinematography create an immersive horror experience. The presence of folklore and local legends brings in a connection between reality and the supernatural.

Adaptation from the novel

Starve Acre is based on Andrew Michael Hurley's bestselling novel. The book explores horror's psychological aspects using folklore and human fears and emotions.

Daniel Kokotajlo's film retains the novel's essence while giving a fresh perspective. His vision makes the folk horror film stick out by enhancing the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

The novel succeeds by telling a timeless, modern story. Hurley's ability to build tension and convey dread after the story ends shows his storytelling skills. Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark bring this spirit to the film, which deepens the characters and story.

Cast and performances

Morfydd Clark plays Juliette and Matt Smith portrays Richard in this film. Their character depth and authenticity enhance the film's impact.

Sarah Smith, as Richard, is a rational academic struggling to explain the inexplicable, while Clark plays Juliette, whose intuition and sensitivity to the supernatural drive the story.

Sean Gilder as Gordon, Erin Richards as Harrie and Robert Emms as Steven are also notable. Individual actors contribute to the film's eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Strong acting makes the supernatural seem real.

The psychological and supernatural elements of the film set it apart. The film adaptation of Andrew Michael Hurley's novel captures the story's essence with a unique cinematic vision.

Horror fans can watch Starve Acre for its strong performances, eerie atmosphere and compelling story. Deep-seated fears and the unknown make the film memorable and chilling.