Daniel Kokotajlo’s latest film, *Starve Acre*, is a folk horror story set against the bleak backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. The narrative centers on Richard, played by Matt Smith, and his partner Juliette, portrayed by Morfydd Clark, who relocate to a rural home with their young son. The child, who appears to be exhibiting unsettling behavior—most notably stabbing a pony in the eye—soon dies under mysterious circumstances.

The plot deepens as Richard discovers a small animal skeleton buried in their garden. This skeleton undergoes a supernatural transformation, growing flesh and fur to become a demonic hare known locally as Dandelion Jack, a sinister figure said to have haunted the area for the past 300 years. The emergence of this creature intensifies the film’s eerie atmosphere and ties the couple’s personal turmoil to a broader local folklore.

Kokotajlo’s direction emphasizes a sense of alienation and unease, using the stark moorland setting to reflect the characters’ internal struggles. Matt Smith’s performance is noted for its depth, capturing Richard’s internal conflict and self-loathing with subtlety. The film’s runtime is 98 minutes.

*Starve Acre* blends psychological tension with supernatural elements, exploring themes of grief, mental disintegration, and the lingering weight of historical superstition in rural England.