3 Best Shudder Exclusives Coming in March

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The streaming service “Shudder” truly lives up to its title, as its collection of horror films will send chills down your spine. Currently, there’s an abundance of fantastic movies available for viewing, such as “Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror,” “Shook,” and “The Medium.” In a few weeks, Shudder enthusiasts can anticipate two new exclusives and an original production that promise to be downright terrifying.

Each of the three movies features prominent actors and offers unexpected plot developments, suspense, and fright. Starting in March, they will be available on Shudder, providing ample opportunity for viewers to organize viewing binges, incorporating more recent releases as well.

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‘Starve Acre’

Hailing from the novel by Andrew Michael Hurley and brought to life by Daniel Kokotajlo, the film titled “Starve Acre” delves into the realm of folk horror, unfolding in England during the 1970s. The protagonists, archaeologist Richard and his wife Juliette, along with their son Owen, reside in a place called Starve Acre. However, when strange sounds start haunting their son, they find themselves puzzled and at a loss as to how to assist him. When an unfortunate event occurs, Richard turns to an ancient oak tree on their property, believed to possess extraordinary abilities, for answers. Meanwhile, Juliette seeks comfort in her community. As Richard’s excavations lead to chilling revelations, their home transforms into a battleground against menacing supernatural entities.

Fantasy Meets Folklore and Horror

It’s worth noting that the cast of “Starve Acre” is not your typical group of horror actors. Instead, it features several performers known for their work in fantasy, such as Matt Smith from “Doctor Who” and “House of the Dragon,” and Morfydd Clark from “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” Interestingly, both have also appeared in horror productions – Smith in the movie “Last Night in Soho” and Clark in the TV series “Dracula.” On set, they developed a strong chemistry and appear to have formed a friendship off-set as well, which undoubtedly benefits the film. Additionally, their background in fantasy seems to have contributed to the film’s effective portrayal of its folkloric themes.

For those who appreciate a chilling, suspenseful film filled with mystery, you may find Starve Acre captivating. It’s not only a gripping watch but also delves deep into themes of grief, relationships, and loss, making it particularly harrowing for parents. However, some viewers might be deterred by the film’s emphasis on the supernatural or its slower pace in the initial acts. But if you persevere, you’ll be rewarded with a climax brimming with surprises, intensity, and an intriguing ending that could potentially pave the way for a sequel. You can catch this film on Shudder starting March 7th.

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‘Bloody Axe Wound’

Under the guidance of director Matthew John Lawrence, “Bloody Axe Wound” unfolds as a coming-of-age tale centered around teenager Abbie Bladecut, portrayed by Sari Arambulo. Abbie is the daughter of notorious serial killer Roger Bladecut (Billy Burker), whose disfigured visage is well known. Joining the cast are Molly Brown and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The narrative delves into Abbie’s life as she experiences her first crush, wrestling with the question of whether to continue her father’s snuff film enterprise. As she uncovers more about the murders, she encounters challenges related to sexism, the value of friendship and love, and the weight of her family’s dark legacy.

A Cast To Die For

Prior to the release of Bloody Axe Wound, Matthew John Lawrence boasted a rich background in both horror and comedy, evident in projects like Uncle Peckerhead, the short Larry Gone Demon, and numerous other productions. His knack for seamlessly integrating humor with horror is showcased once again in this film. Moreover, the cast includes a former star from Dexter: Original Sin and the villain from The Walking Dead, making it an enticing choice for horror enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that Jeffrey Dean Morgan deliberately accepted a minor role in the film to avoid potential conflicts of interest since he was also serving as a producer. Despite his reduced screen time, his performance in Bloody Axe Wound is noteworthy, leaving us yearning for even more of his presence.

The movie, a blend of coming-of-age drama and horror comedy with a dash of slasher elements, has received mixed reviews but still offers an enjoyable experience for fans of both genres. Despite some criticism for its comedic violence, it’s a fun and entertaining horror-comedy that keeps the audience laughing and on the edge of their seats as the body count rises. Catch it when it releases on Shudder on March 21st.

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‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’

Among Stephen King’s preferred horror films, one titled “The Rule of Jenny Pen” is set to premiere on Shudder, causing quite a stir among fans. Originating from a short story by Owen Marshall and helmed by director James Ashcroft, this chilling tale centers around Judge Stefan Mortensen, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, who resides in Royal Pine Mews, a retirement home. As it turns out, his fellow resident Dave Crealy (played by John Lithgow) is collaborating with a hand puppet to torment other residents through a twisted game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen.” As Crealy’s actions escalate into the macabre, Mortensen is compelled to take action and put an end to this malevolent game once and for all.

​​​​​Two Amazing Actors, One Amazing Movie

It’s hardly shocking that King found the movie appealing, as its actors are accustomed to tackling challenging and unconventional roles. For instance, they’ve portrayed a serial killer in Dexter and an amusement park owner in House on Haunted Hill. Critics have generally been positive about the film so far, and audiences can catch this potential classic when it premieres on Shudder on March 28th.

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2025-03-01 02:32