10 Best Horror Movies Of 2025 (So Far)

9. The Rule of Jenny Pen

Best Horror Movies Of 2025 So Far Dead Mail
Shudder

The Rule of Jenny Pen is a deliciously twisted psychological horror which boasts an instantly appealing battle of wits between two of our finest actors, John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush.

Rush stars as Stefan, a judge who ends up in a care home after suffering a stroke, and soon enough crosses paths with another resident, Dave (John Lithgow).

Dave initially presents as a confused old man before revealing himself to be a secret sadist who terrorises the care home's residents with a hand puppet known as Jenny Pen.

It goes without saying that the two-hander between Lithgow and Rush is magnetic, both performers giving themselves over fully to their roles and keeping material with the potential for silliness on an even, oft-disturbing keel.

Writer-director James Ashcroft takes some uneasy swings that mostly pay off, delivering a contained chamber piece that's dripping with mood from start to finish. 

Evidently all you need for a robust horror flick is an eerie location, two brilliant actors, and one creepy-ass puppet.

 
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.