Starve Acre (2024), directed by Daniel Kokotajlo and based on Andrew Michael Hurley’s novel, is a folk horror film set in 1970s Yorkshire. The narrative follows Richard and Juliette Willoughby, portrayed by Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark, respectively, as they relocate to Richard’s ancestral home with their son, Owen, hoping the rural setting will benefit Owen’s health. However, their lives unravel when Owen begins exhibiting disturbing behavior, leading to a tragic event that propels Richard into an obsessive quest to uncover the secrets of the land, particularly the remnants of a legendary oak tree believed to possess supernatural powers.

As Richard delves deeper into the property’s dark history, Juliette turns to a group of occultists, the Beacons, seeking solace and connection with their lost son. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and the influence of ancient pagan rituals, creating a disquieting atmosphere that is both compelling and unsettling. While the minimalist approach and slow-burn narrative may not cater to all horror enthusiasts, “Starve Acre” offers a haunting portrayal of a family grappling with loss amidst the eerie backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.