New horror movie sees Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark return to playing "freaky weirdos", and she couldn’t be happier about it

EntertainmentMoviesHorror MoviesStarve AcreNew horror movie sees Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark return to playing “freaky weirdos”, and she couldn’t be happier about itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesHorror MoviesStarve AcreNew horror movie sees Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark return to playing “freaky weirdos”, and she couldn’t be happier about itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: BFI) While she might be best known currently for playing one of Lord of the Rings’ most iconic characters, Morfydd Clark is no stranger to horror. Before landing the role of Galadriel in The Rings of Power, the actor cut her teeth in Rose Glass’ chilling Saint Maud as a devout carer who goes to extreme lengths to save her patient soul. That wasn’t her first horror rodeo, either. She also played Mina in the BBC’s Dracula adaptation, and Beth in the creature thriller Crawl. Now, Clark is returning to her scary roots with Starve Acre, a new folk horror from the director of Apostasy, Daniel Kokotajlo. In it, she plays Juliette, who lives in a remote cottage with her husband Richard (Matt Smith) and their young son Owen. When a horrific tragedy occurs, the couple deals with their grief in different ways, as Richard becomes obsessed with an ancient oak tree on their land and Juliette turns to the occult for comfort. However, neither is aware of the dark, sinister force haunting their home until it’s too late… “I love being in horror,” Clark tells GamesRadar+ back at the film’s premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in 2023, where it opened to rave reviews. Speaking about returning to the genre, which she filmed during the break between The Rings of Power seasons 1 and 2, she was enthusiastic. “I love freaky weirdos,” she laughs. “I just love weird things so I feel very comfortable in it. And also I think that when you’re filming horror, talking about horror, everyone’s weirdness comes out, which is marvelous.” Starve Acre certainly allows for that. Featuring everything from folk tales to haunted trees, as well as a particularly haunting puppet hare, it goes to some unexpected places as Richard and Juliette get more sucked into the odd history of their home. But while it leans into chilling subject matter, at its heart is a meaty character study of loss. Heavy heart (Image credit: BFI) Clark’s character Juliette is a mother dealing with the all-consuming nature of grief in Starve Acre, which lends a heavy, somber tone to proceedings. Early on in the film, the couple’s son dies in devastating circumstances, plummeting the pair deep into the unknown to deal with their loss. Clark and her co-star Matt Smith handle the story, which is based on Andrew Michael Hurley’s devastating novel, impressively, putting in magnetic and heartbreaking performances. However, it wasn’t the easiest topic to navigate while making the film, she explains. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox “Matt and I spoke a lot about how here we had to show respect to this tragedy,” Clark continues. “[To] make sure that we really – not dug deep – but made sure that we showed respect to it because we are handling something very sensitive.” Big Screen SpotlightShining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday Big Screen Spotlight Shining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday Shining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday The opportunity to explore a complicated relationship like Richard and Juliette’s was something that Clark feels horror could really allow for, too. “I think that horror is so interesting because it often looks into the cult of marriage, the cult of family, the cult of a community,” she adds, also pointing to another key relationship in the film between Juliette and her sister Hattie (Erin Richards). Hattie arrives in the midst of tragedy to try and help pull her sibling out of the stasis that grief has placed her in, but it’s fair to say her solutions have very mixed results. Unknown worlds (Image credit: Brain Media/BFI) Ultimately, Starve Acre plays in that wonderful liminal space that so much horror delves into, where it’s never quite sure what’s real and what’s not. In this story, this manifests in a decomposing hare that Richard is convinced is coming back to life. The way this plays out in the folk horror is absolutely captivating, and Clark thinks the ambiguity is key to it. “I think it’s always fun to mess with ambiguity. When that’s seeping into the character themselves, it’s terrifying and interesting to play with – and it’s nice to not have all the answers. I think that’s sometimes where the most interesting stuff starts to get done.” Sing Sing(Image credit: Black Bear)Euphoria star Colman Domingo may be the lead of new A24 prison drama Sing Sing, but the former prisoners within its cast are the secret to its success Sing Sing (Image credit: Black Bear)Euphoria star Colman Domingo may be the lead of new A24 prison drama Sing Sing, but the former prisoners within its cast are the secret to its success (Image credit: Black Bear) Euphoria star Colman Domingo may be the lead of new A24 prison drama Sing Sing, but the former prisoners within its cast are the secret to its success And horror too, Clark adds, is where some of the most interesting roles for women are. “I think I’ve come into horror at a really lucky point,” she reflects. “I think I’m standing on the shoulders of lots of people before me. Not just performers, but people who were reviewing, like loads of female reviewers of horror, who’ve been like, ‘Wait a second, it was greatbut…'” Certainly, 2024 has already been a standout year for female performances in horror, including Mia Goth in MaXXXine, Maika Monroe in Longlegs, and Naomi Ackie in Blink Twice – and now Clark’s Juliette. “There’s been lots of things that have had to change in the horror industry [and] genre about race, sex. I think that it’s really interesting how horror genres pick up on that quite quickly.” It’s clear her love of the genre extends beyond this too, as she concludes: “I love magic, and there’s an element of magic in horror.” Well, perhaps Galadriel and Juliette are not worlds apart after all. Starve Acre is in theaters now. For more read ourStarve Acre review. If you’re looking for what else to watch, check out the rest of ourBig Screen Spotlightseries and our guide toupcoming horror movies. TOPICSBig Screen Spotlight TOPICS More about horror moviesNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► More about horror moviesNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► More about horror moviesNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief” More about horror movies Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief” Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one Nosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief” Nosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief” LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► Latest I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty See more latest► Most PopularSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changesForget AAA: this year, all I wanted to do was optimize my conveyor belts in Satisfactory2024 was the year The Legend of Zelda lived up to its name, and the result was a bit like mixing rock salt and floral nectarAmid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person"The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year32 movies that spawned iconic internet memes Most PopularSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changesForget AAA: this year, all I wanted to do was optimize my conveyor belts in Satisfactory2024 was the year The Legend of Zelda lived up to its name, and the result was a bit like mixing rock salt and floral nectarAmid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person"The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year32 movies that spawned iconic internet memes Most PopularSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changesForget AAA: this year, all I wanted to do was optimize my conveyor belts in Satisfactory2024 was the year The Legend of Zelda lived up to its name, and the result was a bit like mixing rock salt and floral nectarAmid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person"The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year32 movies that spawned iconic internet memes Most Popular Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future I’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle games The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier” Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changes Forget AAA: this year, all I wanted to do was optimize my conveyor belts in Satisfactory 2024 was the year The Legend of Zelda lived up to its name, and the result was a bit like mixing rock salt and floral nectar Amid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person” The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year 32 movies that spawned iconic internet memes GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”