Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- claustrophobic
- sensual
- serious movie night
- literary adaptation viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed the adaptation as a mixed-to-negative psychological drama that becomes increasingly implausible and melodramatic.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Stella’s affair with Edgar is presented as an overpowering passion that imperils her family and intensifies amid his violent history.
The asylum’s doctors and inmates occupy unstable ethical positions, while professional authority repeatedly conflicts with private desire.
Stella’s passionless marriage to Max and his indifference create the conditions for her involvement with Edgar.
The asylum on London’s outskirts concentrates the characters’ work, family life, surveillance, and affair within a restrictive institutional environment.
Films like Asylum, and why
Damage
period psychological romance centered on destructive adultery, obsession, and emotional repression
The End of the Affair
literary psychological drama about an illicit affair, jealousy, and social collapse
Bitter Moon
claustrophobic romantic thriller where sexual obsession destabilizes domestic life
Movie Details
- Director
- David Mackenzie
- Release Date
- 2005-09-09
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (138)
Cast
- Natasha Richardson
- Hugh Bonneville
- Ian McKellen
- Joss Ackland
- Gus Lewis
- Wanda Ventham
- Maria Aitken
- Hazel Douglas
- Marton Csokas
- Judy Parfitt
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Asylum about?
- A neglected psychiatrist’s wife is consumed by a dangerous affair with a charismatic asylum inmate whose violent past threatens to engulf her family.
- What is Asylum like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Asylum as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Asylum violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Asylum as moderate.
- What did critics think of Asylum?
- Critics broadly viewed the adaptation as a mixed-to-negative psychological drama that becomes increasingly implausible and melodramatic.
- Which films are like Asylum?
- Films with a similar feel include Damage, The End of the Affair, and Bitter Moon.
- How long is Asylum?
- Asylum runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Asylum?
- In United States, Asylum streams on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.
