Hysteria

I only watched this movie because it had the word "Asylum" in the title (Honestly - I just hoped it would have some Arkham Asylum type crazies in it). I did not have high expectations when I started watching this movie...

Was I pleasantly surprised - it was a GREAT movie and I almost wanted to watch it again. I liked the characters and their stories, the setting as well as well as the plot twist at the end.

I must however point out that the fact that the movie description/summary I read contained a key spoiler - this did not spoil the movie for me, but I would have enjoyed the film even more had I not known certain details.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic movie and I was a little bit sad when it ended.

Surprisingly smart movie. My eyes were glued to the screen. I wanted to watch it again right after I saw it. It has a bit of a "Shutter Island" feel to it, however the only things similar are Ben Kingsley, a Mental institution, suspense, spoilers, a script and story that keeps you pleasantly confused, and solid acting. I was unsure whether or not I wanted to watch this movie because of middle-of-the-road reviews. I'm a serious film freak, and maybe I disagree with critics on movies with style and substance that are THIS original. I gave movies like "Cloud Atlas," "Snowpiercer," "Inception," 9 of 10 ☆s. If you love unique films with plot twists, you'll like "Stonehearst Asylum!"

Great acting from an impressive cast.

Yes the story is based on a Poe story, but instead of finding it eerie I found myself laughing out loud at some parts,(maybe that's just me).

If you haven't seen the trailer then all the better, a few twists and turns become apparent about 30mins into the film. But there is more to it so don't feel disappointed.

In general an entertaining film about lunatics and an asylum, set in a Gothic era, the cast really do bring a lot to this film.

Ben Kingsley imparticular brings so much to his character.

I give it a good 7.5 out of 10

Stonehearst Asylum (AKA: Eliza Graves) is directed by Brad Anderson and adapted to screenplay by Joe Gangemi. It's loosely based on an Edgar Allan Poe short story. It stars Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, David Thewlis, Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, Jason Flemyng and Brendan Gleeson. Music is by John Debney and cinematography by Thomas Yatsko.

Stonehearst Asylum - Is nothing as it seems?

For his latest foray into the horror mystery realm, director Anderson provides a film that is away from conventionality's. The horror here is the blurry lines between sanity and insanity, and it has plenty of tricks and dark humour up its sleeves as well. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out quite early on what is going on at Stonehearst, the makers leave enough clues, but as the ungodly treatments show their hands, and the caustic observations on mental health and the treatment of such are made, there's a strong mystery element booming out of the screen.

Naturally this is a tale full of weird, wonderful and scary characters, and with that comes equal helpings of brutality and tenderness. The key characters are very Poesque, all magnificently framed by the Gothic surroundings (where the design department have worked wonders), while Yatsko's photography is gorgeous or chilly as required. Cast come up trumps, the right blend of Gothic ham and emotionally driven portrayals. Savaged by many critics upon release, it has risen above that to gain a deserved fan base, the word of mouth on the street crucially preparing newcomers for the tone of the play. 7/10

I like the cast, setting and general idea of the movie, but I think the direction does not go far enough to build tension. The movie is thus only OK, when it had all the ingredients necessary to make it thrilling. The script gives away too much too early to then focus on a less interesting plot. If it were co keep to the original premise of the E. A. Poe short story with a more suspensfull direction it might have been better. As is, it is a sort of OK, but forgetable film.