Carl Roberts 
“A slow-burning, enjoyable British folk tale horror movie, Starve Acre showcases the talents of Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark to the full.”
Based on the 2019 novel by Andrew Michael Hurley, Starve Acre is a British folk tale horror film. It features the outstanding pairing of Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark. 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. This film version is written and directed by Daniel Kokotajlo. It was premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on 12 October 2023. And is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on 6th September. Can the film live long in the memory or should it have been left buried under the mud in the countryside?
PREMISE
Richard, an archaeologist, and his wife, Jules, live with their son Owen, who claims he has been hearing some whistling sounds. So, Richard starts to investigate a mythic folklore about an ancient oak tree on his land. During his investigations, a dark and sinister force pursues his home.
THOUGHTS
The film is a worthy, smaller-budget horror film for the masses. Featuring superb performances from all concerned, the film builds slowly up to a climax which we don’t see coming. Not everything is explained with many things left to the viewer to decide what has happened. Several plot threads remain unresolved. But that is what makes the film so enjoyable. It makes the audience think. This is what causes the scares and frights, not the use of jump scares that many films of this ilk rely on. It is subliminal on every level. By the time the credits roll at the end, the viewer has been witness to a classic tale that we don’t see that much anymore. It is almost like a throwback to the classic days of British horror from the 1950s and 60s.
MATT SMITH & MORFYDD CLARK
The pairing of Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark is the film’s strength. Both portray their characters to a degree we don’t expect. Smith as Richard comes across as cold and heartless at times. But he also has a core that is pure. During proceedings, we can’t fathom exactly what he aims to accomplish with his relentless digging in the countryside. Like an onion, every shovel full of dirt Richard digs peels back yet another layer to his character and the events we are witnessing. At times, we feel that Richard is losing his mind or is using the dig as a distraction from what has been happening at home. It is an inspired and heartfelt performance from the actor.
Morfydd Clark is outstanding as Richard’s wife, Juliette. She puts in a performance that we will remember long after the film has ended. We are witness to the breakdown of a young woman who suffers a tragedy and the isolation and separation she feels from her husband. A woman who can’t let go of the pain and grief she feels, despite everyone’s best efforts. She can’t understand her husband’s fascination or compulsion to dig for tree roots in the countryside. As she slowly unravels and the film slowly reveals what is happening, the more we hope for a happy ending for her character. The actress is nothing short of exceptional throughout.
THE SCREENPLAY
Daniel Kokotajlo’s screenplay is a winning adaptation of the source novel. He takes every element that is needed to craft a folk tale that is as interesting and entertaining as it is bleak. And believe me, the film is bleak, in both story and look. Anyone looking for a rich palette of colour here is looking in the wrong place. The screenplay matches the look of the film throughout. From start to finish, the film isn’t what you can call fun. But it grips the audience with its rich storytelling, true-to-life characters, and eventual outcome.
By the time we reach the climax, we understand fully where the film is going, despite not fully grasping how or why it does. But that’s the beauty of it. The horror and dread are only hinted at, allowing us to draw our own conclusions. And it is our own minds that scare us the most. That’s not to say that there isn’t violence contained within. There is some and it isn’t pretty.
VERDICT
A slow-burning, enjoyable British folk tale horror movie, Starve Acre showcases the talents of Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark to the full. Throw in the talents of Erin Richards as Harrie, Juliette’s sister and Sean Gilder as Gordon, the couple’s neighbour and we have a decent chiller that shows the world that British folk horror is the best there is. It doesn’t need large CGI effects, big-name actors, or huge budgets. What it needs is the heart, the thought, and the talent to bring the whole thing to life. We get that here in droves. It won’t be for everyone, that is for sure. But for horror fans and those who want to see a well-plotted, well-acted, decent little gem, you can do no wrong here. Recommended viewing.
Starve Acre will be in UK and Irish cinemas on September 6th, courtesy of BFI Distribution.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
