BFI Distribution has released the official UK trailer and poster for Daniel Kokotajlo‘s ‘Starve Acre,’ starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark in the adaptation of Andrew Michael Hurley’s folk horror novel. You can watch it below.
The British folk horror, written and directed by BAFTA nominee Kokotajlo (Apostasy), is based on the award-winning 2019 novel “Starve Acre” by Andrew Michael Hurley and features original music by Matthew Herbert (The Wonder, Disobedience). See the poster below.
What is the Plot of Starve Acre?
According to BFI, the official synopsis for ‘Starve Acre’ reads: “Set in rural Yorkshire in the 1970s, the plot sees Richard and Juliette Willoughby’s seemingly idyllic family life thrown into turmoil when their young son Owen starts acting out of character. A sudden, tragic event brings grief and drives a wedge between the once-happy couple. At Starve Acre, their remote family home, academic archaeologist Richard buries himself in exploring a folkloric myth that the ancient oak tree that once stood on their land is imbued with phenomenal powers. While Juliette turns to the local community to find some kind of peace, Richard obsessively digs deeper. An unexpected discovery soon occupies the couple’s attention, and dark and sinister forces, unwittingly allowed into their home, offer a disturbing possibility of reconnection between them.”
The film stars Clark as Juliette, Smith as Richard, Erin Richards as Harrie, Robert Emms as Steven, and Sean Gilder as Gordon.
In a statement, Kokotajlo said, “I’m a sucker for films that put a spell on you with their attitudes and strange sensibilities. English folk tales like Starve Acre give you an opportunity to do that. It’s not just horror; it ends up in a weird, off-kilter place. It can be uncomfortably quiet and sensitive, then suddenly it slaps you in your face with its oddballness. That was the aim of this film: to create a mood of nervousness.”
Kokotajlo continued, “Making an audience nervous results in a whole range of reactions: tears, screams or giggles. It’s my idea of cathartic fun. Starve Acre also taps into a timeless fear that feels more relevant than ever: the idea that returning home, to nature, and regressing into childhood, is a big mistake. The film removes the nostalgic, rose-tinted glasses, and shows us that there are dark things, long-buried superstitions, awaiting our return.”
‘Starve Acre’ is presented by Access Entertainment, BBC Film, and BFI, and is a House Production. It was produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, and Emma Duffy. The film was developed with BBC Film and funded by Access Entertainment, BBC Film, and the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding. Cornerstone is handling worldwide sales.
When is the Release Date for Starve Acre?
The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival 2023 and will be released by BFI Distribution in UK and Irish cinemas on September 6, 2024. It will also be available on BFI Player and Blu-ray on October 21st.
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