Asylum (2005) – A Story of Insane Love Affair in a Mental Hospital
Asylum is a romantic thriller movie directed by David Mackenzie and released in the year 2005. The storyline is centered around Stella (Natasha Richardson), wife of a psychiatrist who moves into a mental hospital with her family. She then develops an illicit relationship with one of the patients who happens to be a killer. This engaging drama provides an interesting and thrilling storyline worth watching. Let’s dive into the full synopsis of Asylum.
Synopsis:
Dr. Max Raphae (Hugh Bonneville) is a psychiatrist who moves into a mental hospital with his wife Stella and son Charlie. Stella meets Dr. Peter Cleave (Ian McKellen), a senior doctor at the hospital who expresses his interest in treating convoluted cases of sexual behavior. Max observes Peter’s attraction to Stella and is concerned as he is a candidate for the position of head of the mental hospital. Stella starts spending more time with the wives of other doctors in the hospital, and during one of her walks around the complex, she encounters Edgar Stark (Marton Csokas), a patient who is doing his work in the botanical garden.
Stella tells her husband Max about Edgar, and he empathizes with her but assures her that Edgar, who was once a sculptor, is not a danger to anyone. One day, Charlie, Stella’s son, injures himself while playing, and Edgar helps him. This is the first time Max meets Edgar. The story takes a turn as Stella and Edgar start having an illicit affair.
Peter, who is observing them from a distance, calls Edgar to ask him about his interest in plants. Peter tries to control Edgar’s behaviour as part of his treatment process, but Edgar is not pleased with Peter’s decision. He feels he has recovered from his mental condition and wants to be free. Edgar starts to become more daring, even sneaking into Stella’s room to be with her. However, he has to stop his action as Stella’s mother-in-law came unexpectedly to their house.
Edgar escapes from the hospital and the staff of the hospital blame Stella for his escape. Stella is also blamed for having an affair with a patient. This causes Max to be ostracized by his colleagues. Stella then asks Max for permission to travel to London to buy a Christmas gift but the truth is she is traveling to meet Edgar.
Conclusion:
Asylum (2005) is a well-directed movie that provides an interesting and unique storyline that keeps viewers engaged. The movie walks through the life of various characters in a mental hospital but focuses more on the illicit relationship between Stella and Edgar. This relationship puts Max’s career and family in jeopardy. The love scenes between Stella and Edgar are passionate and intense, while the characterization of Stella is strong and conflicted. Overall, Asylum is a thrilling and captivating movie.
