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By – Gareth Jones
For fans of folk horror, Matt Smith, Morfydd Clark
Every time I think that we are past the peak of the wave of folk horror films that started in the 2010’s with films like Kill List and The Witch, I see a new film or two that show the wave has not peaked yet. Starve Acre is one that has all the classic hallmarks of a folk horror film, in many ways it is a throwback to the classic 1970’s era in England. The atmosphere and overall aesthetic is well-matched especially to the amazing television series and shows that came out at that time. Children of Stones, Penda’s Fen, and Robin Redbreast can be seen as touchpoints for the filmmakers.
The film is only the second feature for up and coming British director Daniel Kokotaljo. His first film Apostasy examined the Jehovah’s Witness faith, one that he grew up in. It is easy to see how that examination would also prove effective in an examination of the ancient pagan belief systems seen in folk horror films. He is definitely a filmmaker to keep an eye on with his future work.
Starve Acre is a reference to the family farm land upon which Steven and Juliette live with their son Owen. Steven is an archeologist working at the local college who talks to his son about the buried roots of a great tree on the ground. They discuss possibly digging them up, never a good idea in a folk horror movie. Owen tells him about voices he is hearing, and following a violent event at school, his mother becomes even more concerned. Is he hearing the ancient voices of spirits of the land? The story takes a heartbreaking turn and continues on a steady descent into horrific events. It is not for the faint of heart. It has many of the same elements seen in Lamb, which divided audiences and critics a few years ago, but which also clearly represents an evolving branch of the folk horror genre. The metaphor of trauma is deeply explored again and is well suited for the genre.The acting in the film is brilliant and balanced. Matt Smith continues to do a great job distancing himself from his Doctor Who fame. His performance here is nuanced and disturbing. He is matched step by step by Morfydd Clark, who shot to fame in another folk horror Saint Maud, and now is most famous for her role as Galadriel in The Rings of Power. Her ability to show mental and psychological pain and anguish is breathtaking. Her face is so unique and directors love to show it in close up allowing her to connect to audiences in dramatic fashion. Here, she emotes the motherly pain and suffering in stunning fashion.
The film is based on a noted author Andrew Micheal Hurley’s novel from 2019. He also was the co-script writer. I have not read the book yet, but plan on doing so, especially after watching the film. I am sure that he had to change aspects of the film, but I am hopeful that it remains true to the spirit of the novel. Folk horror continues to be fertile ground for filmmakers and authors to explore.
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Written by: Gareth Jones
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