I have read many horror novels, but few have gotten under my skin as much as "Stave Acre". It's shorter than most novels, and even a cursory reading of the blurb was quite disturbing, so I picked it up on a whim. But I never expected to finish it in just one day. And now here is a film adaptation that looks very promising.

Matt Smith, the star of "House of Dragons," brings the book to life on the big screen. From the looks of the trailer, this much-anticipated horror is going to provide a spine-chilling experience like no other. The film unfolds against a backdrop of local folklore and dark history in the haunting and atmospheric landscape of Yorkshire.

"Starve Acre" premiered at the London Film Festival in October 2023, and after months of waiting, a theatrical release date was finally announced. It is sure to rival thrillers like Alien: Romulus and A Quiet Place: Alien: Romulus and A Quiet Place: Day One.

But is "Starve Acker," which opens next month, worth watching? Let's delve into the story that completely captivated me.

If you search the Internet for a synopsis of the film, you probably won't find anything but a brief description: "A couple's idyllic rural home life is thrown into chaos when their son starts acting out of the ordinary. So I'm going to let the story of the book unfold here so you can get an idea of what this haunting tale is all about (and decide if it's worth watching).

"Starve Acre" is a horror novel set in rural Yorkshire and revolves around the disturbing experiences of a married couple, Richard (Matt Smith) and Juliet Willoughby (Morfydd Clarke). After the tragic death of their young son, they move to Richard's family home in Stave Acre. Juliette becomes increasingly obsessed with spiritualism in an attempt to contact her late son, while Richard delves into local legends and uncovers sinister secrets about the land's past.

After reading this novel (and finishing it in one day), I can easily rank it as one of my favorite horror books of all time. This is because the novel explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural, while also depicting the impact of personal tragedy on a couple's relationship. All of this was very chilling, but it also revealed that grief, no matter how strong it may seem, has the potential to tear people apart.

The novel is deeply rooted in the myths and legends of the Yorkshire countryside. While things associated with folklore are always terrifying, Starve Acre manages to go beyond the stereotypical horror by combining sadness with the darker aspects of nature and the supernatural. All of these elements blend together perfectly to create a sense of dread, which is what I immediately felt when I read every page.

What stands out in this story, however, is the portrayal of grief and the effect it has on the main characters, Richard and Juliette. For example, Juliette, overwhelmed by loss, is consumed by the desire to contact her son, and in her desperation she turns to spiritualism. This obsession leads her to increasingly irrational and dangerous behavior.

Richard, on the other hand, copes with his grief by immersing himself in the history and folklore of Stave Acre. He becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the land and believes that understanding its dark past may provide answers and comfort.

Every development in this book took my breath away, and the ending page alone sent chills down my spine. It is a beautiful and truly disturbing tale that adheres to the conventions of folk horror, pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating rich layers and deep unease. The film is sure to convey grief visually, emotionally, and in the most disturbing way possible.

"Starve Acre" has a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it should be noted that this is based on seven reviews. This rating could change once the film is released in theaters, but the certified fresh appeal proves that it is a quality film with a competent and talented cast.

Says Sight & Sound's Anton Beitel: "This 1970s-set folk horror, with eerily musical direction by Matthew Herbert, unearths something primal and harmful underlying a once-and-perhaps-again happy family. Meanwhile, Peg Alloy of Arts Fuse comments on the supernatural theme: "Starve Acre is a satisfying piece of British folk horror that leaps over the boundaries of magic realism and into the wild realm beyond our waking vision

The film is a satisfying piece of British folk horror.

The film has not yet been released, but based on my knowledge of the book, I can't help but agree with these observations. The casting, the story, and the mood of the film seem to be true to the novel in Stave Acre.

Perry Norton of Film Threat writes, "This is a fantastically enigmatic horror film, and it's brilliantly done. And that should be enough to convince anyone to see it (not me, but I was on board as soon as the news came out).

When "Starve Acre" is released, I urge you to see it. Even if you are not a horror fan or have never read the book, it is a genuinely engaging story that will grab you and not let go. Reading the story alone was fascinating enough, but seeing it unfold on the big screen will enhance its emotional impact as you share in the escalating tension and unexpected twists and turns.

We hate waiting for new releases, so check out the summer horror films now available on Netflix and Prime Video. You can also check out the trailer for the upcoming vampire horror film to see why it's one of my most anticipated films of the year.

"Starve Acre" opens in the US on July 26 and in the UK on September 6.