Starve Acre (2025): A Deep Dive into Folk Horror

Are you a fan of folk horrors? If you are, then you might want to check out Starve Acre, a new film on Shudder. It is set in 1970s rural England, where Richard and Juliette’s family life is turned upside down when their son starts acting strangely. This movie stars Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark as the worried parents of a quiet but disturbed young boy. As they navigate their lives in the countryside, the couple becomes captivated by a dark and sinister force.

The film has an interesting concept. It is filled with feelings of dread and malevolence. However, it also has moments that are vague, which can increase the stress of the unknown. As the story builds, the tension rises, but it might not be what you expect. The film’s slow pace matches its folk horror theme, but is it enough to keep you engaged?

The Setting and Atmosphere

The setting of Starve Acre is quite impactful. The cold, dreary landscape with rainy gray skies adds to the feeling of isolation and melancholy. This film takes place in the 1970s, which means there are no modern distractions. The characters are fully immersed in their lonely surroundings, which sets the stage for the plot.

The story revolves around Richard and Juliette, who are solid parents struggling with their disturbed and somewhat violent child. They try to figure out what is wrong with him while facing strange interactions with the wildlife around their home. Richard, played by Matt Smith, obsessively digs on their property, hoping to find something significant. This makes sense since he is a professor, likely in anthropology or humanities, and searching for artifacts is part of his character.

The Plot: A Jumbled Mess?

While the premise is strong, the execution leaves something to be desired. The film often feels like a collection of disjointed scenes with little cohesion. Many threads that could have connected the story appear haphazardly. It seems like there was potential for a disturbing tale, but instead, we see characters sulking around, barely interacting.

Both Smith and Clark deliver fine performances, but the story doesn’t give them the chance to show their full range. It feels like we are watching two people mope around their home without understanding their thoughts or feelings. This lack of clarity makes it hard for viewers to connect with the characters.

Building Tension

To its credit, the final act of the movie picks up the pace. It feels as if the brakes have finally been released, allowing the story to flow. The disturbing nature of the ending is enjoyable, but by then, many viewers might feel numb from the slow build-up. It’s essential to note that while some viewers enjoy piecing together a story, the lack of clear symbolism can lead to frustration.

Even though the movie is only 98 minutes long, it feels much longer. The undefined relationships and almost non-existent mythology slow the pace significantly. Richard and Juliette are portrayed as burdened and somber, and their struggles are believable. However, the plot never reveals enough background information, which could have made the climax more impactful.

Final Thoughts

Starve Acre had the potential to be a memorable folk horror film, but it falls short. Instead, we are left with a meandering story about a family falling apart, where the narrative only finds its direction toward the end. There are some elements of sex, no nudity, a bit of profanity, and some violence, but it doesn’t save the overall experience.

On my couch rating system, I give Starve Acre a 2 out of 5. I was disappointed that it wasted its potential. It could have been an excellent story, but instead, it felt like a missed opportunity.

FAQs

Do you have any good folk horror recommendations? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! If you enjoyed this review, please give it a like and consider sharing it with your friends. Thank you for reading!