Asylum

Synopsis

In the 2005 psychological thriller film 'Asylum', directed by David Mackenzie, Natasha Richardson stars as Stella Raphael, who moves with her husband to a remote psychiatric hospital where he works as a psychiatrist. As she becomes increasingly isolated and neglected, Stella finds herself drawn to Edgar, a dangerous patient with a mysterious past. Their forbidden love affair leads to a gripping tale of obsession, desire, and psychological turmoil. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Stella must confront the dark truths of her own desires and the consequences of her actions, leading to a chilling climax. 'Asylum' is a haunting exploration of passion, madness, and the thin line between sanity and insanity.

Cast

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  Natasha Richardson

  Stella Raphael

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  Hugh Bonneville

  Max Raphael

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  Ian McKellen

  Dr. Peter Cleave

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  Joss Ackland

  Jack Straffen

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  Gus Lewis

  Charlie Raphael

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  Wanda Ventham

  Bridie Straffen

Reviews

Critics have had mixed reactions to 'Asylum' with some praising Natasha Richardson's performance and the atmospheric tension created by director David Mackenzie, while others criticized the film for its slow pacing and lack of depth. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a score of 65% based on 93 reviews, with the critical consensus stating, 'While Richardson shines in the lead role, 'Asylum' struggles to fully captivate with its psychological thrills.' IMDb rates it at 6.1/10 with some users praising the film's dark and unsettling atmosphere, while others found the storyline predictable. Metacritic gives it a score of 51/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Overall, 'Asylum' has been a divisive film among critics and audiences, with its provocative themes and Richardson's performance being the highlights.