Starve Acre review: A family slowly unravels in this eerie and atmospheric folk horror tale

Starve Acre review: A family slowly unravels in this eerie and atmospheric folk horror tale

As a huge fan of folk horror films with a penchant for atmospheric and chilling storytelling, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on the upcoming release of “Starve Acre,” a film that not only boasts an intriguing premise but also features some familiar faces from beloved fantasy series. Starring Matt Smith (“House of the Dragon”) and Morfydd Clark (“The Rings of Power”), this 1970s-set British horror flick is sure to captivate those of us who delight in themes of resurrection, ancient evil, and the exploration of mysterious folklore.


As a horror movie enthusiast with a soft spot for atmospheric and dread-inducing films, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with fellow fans. This coming Friday, we’ll be treated to one of the most chilling horror releases of the year, and it boasts an impressive cast that includes familiar faces from beloved fantasy series like “House of the Dragon” and “The Rings of Power.” For those of us who have followed these shows closely, spotting Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark on the big screen is an added bonus. Their talent and charisma are sure to elevate this horror film to new heights. I can hardly wait!

In the late 1970s, “Starve Acre” is a captivating British film that embodies the essence of the folk horror genre. It delves into topics such as rebirth, age-old wickedness, and investigates intriguing local legends.

Matt Smith plays the role of an archaeologist named Richard, who relocates his family – comprised of his unconventional spouse Juliette (Clark) and their young son Ewan – to the moors. Due to his profession, Richard becomes intrigued by an old oak tree in their yard that mysteriously disappears. As Richard delves deeper into his research, their son Ewan starts exhibiting strange behaviors in their new environment, leading to experiences of unspeakable horrors for any parent.

As a huge fan of the gothic subgenre, I can’t help but be drawn in by “Starve Acre” director and writer Daniel Kokotajlo’s clever homage to classics like “The Wicker Man.” Based on Andrew Michael Hurley’s haunting novel, this film doesn’t shy away from its eerie roots. Instead, it fully leans into the chilling atmosphere, delivering some truly unsettling scares that leave you on the edge of your seat. The ominous score only adds to the sense of foreboding, perfectly complementing the twisted lives of these characters. You can almost taste the decay that has consumed the once-idyllic moors, now home only to the haunting memory of that strange oak tree that brought so much pain and anguish.

The movie “Starve Acre” could be a turnoff for some viewers due to its leisurely tempo. Instead of racing along at a fast clip, it prefers to linger, carefully developing its characters and setting the mood. This deliberate approach is essential for this thought-provoking film.

Smith does an excellent job in this film, yet it’s Clark who truly shines. With a wealth of resources at her disposal, she excels, particularly during the chilling finale. Describing her acting prowess without revealing spoilers is challenging, but her portrayal carries an unsettling aloofness that perfectly complements the movie’s ominous atmosphere. A minor issue I encountered was the mumbled or hushed dialogue, which at times made comprehension difficult – subtitles would have been helpful in this regard.

To put it succinctly, “Starve Acre” is an enthralling tale of folk horror, perfect for readers who are drawn to tales of age-old evils, enduring legends, and horror so profound it compels individuals to commit heinous acts in the name of affection.

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2024-07-23 23:25

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