Exploring the Gothic Dread in ‘Starve Acre’: A Review of Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark’s Supernatural Folk Horror: In the realm of horror, the genre can vary widely depending on the film’s tone and mood. From chainsaw-wielding maniacs to spectral apparitions, each movie brings its own unique atmosphere. Director Daniel Kokotajlo’s second feature, Starve Acre, embraces a distinct sense of Gothic dread. This supernatural folk horror tale follows Richard (Matt Smith) and Juliette (Morfydd Clark) as they grapple with the recent loss of their son amid the unsettling ambiance of their rural Yorkshire home. Adapted from Andrew Michael Hurley’s novel of the same name, the film chronicles the couple’s mourning process, highlighting how their grief isolates them and drives a wedge between them while they are ensconced in the eerie setting of Richard’s ancestral home. Kokotajlo crafts a haunting narrative that falters somewhat midway through, losing some initial momentum but ultimately regaining its chilling edge in a briskly executed finale.
Starve Acre (2024)
- Genre: Horror
- Premise: After their son begins to exhibit strange behavior, a couple inadvertently invites dark forces into their home, awakening an ancient evil rooted deep in the countryside.
- Release Date: July 26, 2024
- Director: Daniel Kokotajlo
- Cast: Matt Smith, Morfydd Clark, Erin Richards, Sean Gilder, Robert Emms, Roger Barclay, Matilda Firth, Rocco Haynes
- Runtime: 98 Minutes
- Main Genre: Horror
- Writers: Daniel Kokotajlo, Andrew Michael Hurley
‘Starve Acre’ Perfectly Captures the Gothic Horror Aesthetic
A hallmark of an effective Gothic tale is how the setting becomes a central character within the narrative, and Starve Acre achieves this with great success. Cinematographer Adam Scarth excels at capturing the misty, pastoral landscape of Yorkshire, complementing his previous collaboration with director Daniel Kokotajlo on Apostasy. The land of Starve Acre itself becomes a character in the film, with its oppressive presence felt throughout. Whether it’s Richard’s excavation of the soil or Juliette’s gaze over the moors, the land exerts a palpable influence. Richard, deeply connected to the land from his childhood, and Juliette, who feels like an outsider, gradually come to terms with the land’s eerie and sinister nature.
The film mirrors the atmospheric quality of Hurley’s novel, where the setting is as much a part of the story as the characters. Starve Acre is not just a backdrop but an entity imbued with dark history and horror. The film frequently focuses on the cold, desolate land, reflecting Richard’s obsession with digging into its depths. After their son Owen’s death, Richard’s fixation intensifies, symbolized by his frequent, almost desperate, interactions with the earth. Juliette’s descent into depression and isolation contrasts sharply with the land’s oppressive influence, particularly as her sister Harrie’s presence fails to alleviate the gloom. Despite the film’s narrative struggles, its visual execution remains impressive, creating a perfectly haunting atmosphere.
Challenges in ‘Starve Acre’s Narrative and Fidelity to the Source
The main issue with Starve Acre is its narrative inconsistency, a problem inherited from Hurley’s original novel. After a compelling start, the film struggles with an identity crisis. As Richard and Juliette’s grief drives them towards supernatural elements, the film’s focus shifts awkwardly. The land of Starve Acre serves as a liminal space where the boundary between worlds is blurred, but the film’s literal interpretation of the occult undermines its potential.
The film teeters between magical realism and supernatural horror, leaving viewers uncertain if the events are truly supernatural or merely manifestations of the couple’s grief-induced madness. Richard and Juliette’s troubled relationship and their unresolved issues with their son are only partially explored, missing out on a richer emotional depth. Instead, the film delves into folklore and mythology, which feels less engaging. The transformation of a hare’s skeleton, though visually intriguing, detracts from the narrative’s ambiguity, leaving viewers questioning whether these occurrences are genuine or illusions shaped by the couple’s deteriorating mental state.
Ultimately, Starve Acre struggles with its balance between emotional character development and supernatural lore. The film’s midsection feels aimless as it tries to integrate folk tales into the couple’s disintegrating marriage. By the climax, it embraces full-blown supernatural horror, but the buildup feels insufficient. The finale is memorable but suffers from an excess of style over substance.
Morfydd Clark and Matt Smith Shine in ‘Starve Acre’
Despite the story’s shortcomings, the performances in Starve Acre stand out. Casting Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark, both known for their roles in major fantasy franchises, initially seems like a gimmick, but they deliver convincing portrayals as a couple. They excel in depicting the transition from a loving family to estranged parents. Smith’s Richard, despite limited actions, manages to infuse his scenes with gravitas. Clark, particularly effective in depicting Juliette’s profound grief, creates a visceral portrayal of a woman unraveling under the weight of loss. Her character, however, lacks the depth of Richard’s, and her role diminishes as the film progresses.
The film’s narrative could have benefited from a more dynamic exploration of their characters’ emotional extremes, especially in the context of their troubled marriage. Although Clark and Smith have the potential for a more intense performance, the story’s limitations prevent them from fully expressing their characters’ complexities. Their moments of vulnerability and conflict hint at a deeper connection that the film never fully explores.
In conclusion, while Daniel Kokotajlo’s Starve Acre falls short of its potential, it remains a worthwhile watch. Its atmospheric setting and strong performances, combined with its Gothic horror elements, make it an engaging experience, even if it fails to fully capitalize on its narrative and emotional opportunities.