Natasha Richardson (THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS) is Stella, the beautiful, neglected wife of Max Raphael (Hugh Bonneville), the newly appointed Deputy Superintendent of a maximum-security psychiatric hospital outside of Londo... more »n. Soon after her arrival, Stella develops a curious attraction to Edgar Stark (Marton Csokas), an artist confined for the gruesome murder of his wife in a jealous rage. Secretly observed by the cunning Dr. Peter Cleave (Golden Globe winner Ian McKellen), Stella and Edgar begin a torrid affair. But as passions are ignited, so are suspicions, rage and jealousies, plunging the characters into a thrilling game of cat and mouse that builds to a shocking, fever-pitched conclusion. Brilliantly acted and fraught with sexual tension, ASYLUM is a "powerful, haunting and beautifully crafted"* story of passion, manipulation and erotic obsession.
Started out real strong but fizzled out near the end and was a bit confusing plotline at times. Worth a watch though if you like suspense and drama films. The movie DVD cover says Hitchcokian psychological thriller, which I disagree even comparing this film with some of Hitchcock's masterpieces.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Callie K. (ballofglitter) from GRAND ISLAND, NE Reviewed on 5/8/2014...
I thought this one sounded good but it was okay. It was pretty boring and they jump so fast from scene to scene it's hard to keep up
0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Robert K. from TUCSON, AZ Reviewed on 5/20/2013...
The setting is in London. The Hugh Bonneville character is a psychiatrist and gets new job at a mental health facility for the criminaly insane. Bonneville takes his wife and young child to live there as his employer provides a nice home within the grounds. Natasha Richardson plays Bonneville's wife. It is soon apparent that Richardson has very little to do, and is very bored. Also, it appeared that there wasn't a whole lot of physical affection between husband and wife.
This sets up the meeting of Marton Csokas and Richardson. Csokas plays one of the inmates who just happens to be a hunk. Some of the inmates who have demonstrated good behavior are allowed to work at the facility. Csokas crime was killing his wife in a most brutal way. Being the bored housewife, Richardson puts on an alluring dress and goes down to where Csokas is working. She throws herself at Csokas. This begins a torrid affair which has far reaching consequences for Bonneville, Richardson, and their young son.
Overall, I liked the film but it is very somber in tone.
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sarah F. (Ferdy63) from DALTON, GA Reviewed on 2/10/2009...
Intense period drama about the frustrated wife of a psychiatrist who works at an asylum. Due to his job, the entire family lives in a house on the asylum grounds. Natasha Richardson is wonderful as the wife who has an instant attraction to an inmate assigned to do work on their house. The sexual tension between the two leads to an affair and the inmate's escape. The movie is well cast and the actors are splendid. The movie is based on a novel by the same name written by Patrick McGrath.