Stonehearst Asylum

Stonehearst Asylum rejects the traditional take on the 19th-century mental health institution setting, garishly displayed in many films. Instead, it serves up an enticing blend of psychological thriller, gothic horror and romance, set against the backdrop of striking Victorian-era aesthetics.

The 2014 film starts with the arrival of Edward Newgate, a character played by talented actor Jim Sturgess, at the occult and imposing Stonehearst Asylum. A recently qualified doctor from Oxford, Newgate seeks clinical experience in the mental institution ahead of his pursuit of gaining a full license. On his arrival, he is met by the eccentric Dr. Silas Lamb, grippingly portrayed by Ben Kingsley, the seemingly caring and innovative superintendent of Stonehearst Asylum. Dr. Lamb lures Newgate in with his progressive methods of treating the mentally ill, eschewing the barbarian practices of brutal punishments, harsh restraints and invasive surgeries which were common in the era.

However, Newgate's primary motivation is not his medical ambition but a romantic interest. A fascination towards Eliza Graves, a mysteriously captivating patient whom he had crossed paths with during a lecture at Oxford. The role of Eliza Graves is compellingly taken on by Kate Beckinsale, who brings life to this multifaceted character suffering from hysteria. Newgate is doggedly determined to rescue Eliza from the confines of Stonehearst and Dr. Lamb's potentially damaging treatment.

As Newgate settles in, he realizes that all is not as it seems in Stonehearst Asylum. The staff of the hospital behaves erratically and the patients appear to be unusually unrestrained. This unconventional asylum’s underbelly is further exposed through the addition of ominous and reclusive staff like the groundskeeper Mickey Finn, a menacing role meticulously crafted by David Thewlis. Twists and turns lie at every corner as Newgate unravels the bewildering and unfathomable truths hidden in the asylum's cold stone walls.

The film takes the audience deep into the world of Victorian Psychiatry and its often misunderstood methods. It offers an intriguing perspective on mental health issues of the time while reflection on the broader societal constraints and the prejudices that were prevalent in this era. As the storyline unfolds, suspense, surprise, and shock intertwine with moments of dark humor, moral exploration, and an escalating sense of dread.

Direction by Brad Anderson ensures that the visuals are intriguingly atmospheric, with the architecture of the grim asylum and its surrounding barren landscapes speaking for themselves. The visual storytelling perfectly combines with the gripping plot, reinforcing the mysterious and gloomy atmosphere while feeling utterly compelling and immersive. Complementing Anderson's direction are the impressive set design and costumes that stay faithful to the period, further augmenting the distinctly gothic tone of the movie.

Starring alongside Beckinsale, Sturgess, Kingsley, and Thewlis is a robust supporting cast including actors like Brendan Gleeson and Michael Caine. The cast delivers powerful performances that significantly contribute to the film's sense of mystery while potently anchoring the human element amidst the film's atmospheric aesthetics.

The film draws strongly from Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether," intricately weaving elements of Gothic horror and the grotesque with Poe's legacy. However, it simultaneously forges its own unique path, transitioning from an eerie mystery to a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of madness and sanity and the disturbingly blurry line that separates them.

While it is a riveting gothic thriller, Stonehearst Asylum is more than just a story about a sinister mental institution and its secrets. It is a deep dive into the differing perceptions of sanity, set in a time when the understanding of mental health issues was still in its infancy. It reflects on moral ambiguity and societal norms through its compelling narrative. It offers a chilling, vivid, and atmospheric take on a time-honoured genre, sure to keep the viewer on edge until the very end.