Starve Acre presents a folk-horror story that feels both recognizable and unsettling, set against the stark backdrop of the North Yorkshire Moors. A man finds himself facing deeply buried family history in this desolate and exposed landscape, and the film’s isolated location contributes to an atmosphere of unease, strengthening the sense of dread characteristic of the genre. Morfydd Clark, who delivered a striking performance in Saint Maud, again demonstrates her ability to bring quiet strength to a role. As a mother struggling with immense grief, she delivers a portrayal full of subtle emotion and fragility. She skillfully communicates profound sadness, keeping the viewer engaged as her character seems to drift between hopelessness and losing control. Even when the film moves into a more fantastical—and possibly more confusing—conclusion, Clark remains the emotional center, giving the story an emotional resonance that stays with you. Matt Smith, however, adopts a more assertive style, attempting a Yorkshire accent that occasionally pulls focus rather than adding to the mood. His intense and thoughtful presence is sometimes exaggerated by camera work that frequently focuses in close, almost intruding on the quietness of his performance. The film’s unusual and experimental score acts as an underlying pulse, increasing suspense and disorienting the viewer at key points. It gives the movie a strange, dreamlike feel that goes well with the folk-horror aspects. This atmosphere is lessened, though, by the introduction of a peculiar animatronic or CGI creation, which feels fake despite its intended threat and detracts from the feeling of being completely absorbed in the story. What could have been a strong visual representation instead comes across as awkward, breaking the viewer’s connection to the otherwise realistic horror. Ultimately, Starve Acre provides real emotional depth and moments of suspenseful atmosphere. However, it loses some impact when it moves too far into surrealism without the necessary skill in its visuals to support it.

Source on TMDB