Continuing the trend of horror films set in a more pastoral setting, Starve Acre is the latest take that harkens back to the misty, gray folk horror films of the ‘70s.
Based on the novel by Andrew Michael Hurley, Starve Acre concerns a grieving couple (Richard and Juliette, played by Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark, respectfully) dealing with a tragedy involving their young son. To get some distance from the memories, they move to the Yorkshire moors into Richard’s family home, only to find that there is a long history of the occult near and on their property.
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As Juliette sinks into a crippling depression and Richard throws himself into his work, the two couldn’t get any more distant. But with the arrival of a weird local woman and a visit from Juliette’s sister Harrie (Erin Richards), the creep factor intensifies, ratcheting up the tension between the couple and unearthing a centuries-old folk tale.
There’s a bit of a Pet Semetary aspect to the story that thankfully steers clear of Stephen King’s plot progression, but at the same time, the film gets more and more esoteric and generic. King’s “bury the kid in the backyard” device might have been more interesting.
Alas, there is just a lot of doom and gloom in the sparse countryside with a couple that gets increasingly unpleasant to hang out with. There are some interesting developments in the story, such as a mysterious tree buried in the ground, a rabbit that becomes integral to the story, and a séance, but it ultimately feels distant and unaffecting.
Director Daniel Kokotajlo (Apostasy) sets a good unnerving mood throughout, and works beautifully with his actors. Smith and Clark are excellent, as always. There’s certainly abundant talent here. But the tale it wants to tell feels familiar and ultimately belabored.
Starve Acre might have an effective tone, but it will not only leave you hungry for scares, but also a reason to care.
Starve Acre will be available in theaters and On Demand starting July 26, 2024.
