The Asphyx

Set during the latter part of the Victorian era in England, The Asphyx is a gripping horror, sci-fi and thriller movie that takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of dread, anticipation, and curiosity. Released in 1972, and directed by the talented Peter Newbrook, this unique film stars the accomplished actors Robert Powell, Robert Stephens, and Jane Lapotaire. The movie introduces a new take on dealing with mortality and explores unique themes that blend scientific research with supernatural phenomena.

At its core, The Asphyx explores the fear of mortality and the lengths one would go to cheat death. The movie revolves around the enigmatic central character Sir Hugo Cunningham, portrayed by Robert Stephens. Sir Hugo isn't your typical Victorian character, but a curious scientist and philanthropist working on a peculiar theory about the human soul, which he believes is visible at the moment of death. He believes this soul is captured in a blurry smudge, which he names 'The Asphyx.'

From his charitable endeavors to his curious oddities and complex relationships, Robert Stephens breathes life into Sir Hugo's character. His performance is characterized by the earnest intensity needed to portray a character adamantly investigating the confines of life and death. To bolster the intensity of Stephens' performance, Robert Powell plays Giles Cunningham, Sir Hugo's adoptive son, while Jane Lapotaire brings to life the character of Christina Cunningham, Sir Hugo's daughter.

During one of Hugo's family outings, a fatal accident occurs. Through a sequence of grim events, Sir Hugo accidentally photographs his latest subject. While trying to capture the moment the spirit exits the body, he discovers a strange presence which he later identifies as 'The Asphyx.' Obsessed with this discovery, Sir Hugo dedicates his modern scientific methods to prove the existence of this paranormal phenomenon.

The film gradually descends from here into a thrilling quest to immortalize life itself using this newfound knowledge about The Asphyx. This quest is driven by the fear of death and the guilt over past tragedy, yet it remains nobly motivated by love of family, pushing the film's central relationship dynamics into often tragically tense corners, provoking thought and emotion in the audience.

The Asphyx further sets the tone with intricate sets, period costumes, and a chilling musical score, taking us back to the Victorian era in great detail and atmosphere. The ingenuity behind the film's special effects - particularly for its time - is not to be overlooked, further punctuating the phantasmagorical morality tale with moments of spine-chilling terror and uncanny dread.

The narrative doesn’t dwell solely in the realms of specters and spirits, but also rigorously reinforces itself with faux-scientific explanations, thereby blurring the lines between science and the supernatural. This blend of genres gives the movie an unorthodox edge that differentiates it from its contemporaries.

The Asphyx, despite its vintage charm, can also be seen as a philosophical exploration into human fear of death and the obsession with eternal life. It seamlessly oscillates between being a science fiction film, a psychological horror movie, and a gothic drama. This film caters to the interest of those who appreciate classic horror, while also offering an intriguing plot centered around pseudo-scientific conjectures that lend to thought-provoking and at times petrifying moments.

In the end, The Asphyx offers much more than mere horror and suspense. By placing a protagonist with good intentions in the midst of a grim scenario investigating life and death, the film conveys messages about morality, love, and aspiration, transforming it from a mere supernatural thriller to a profound plot that stirs deep emotion and contemplation in its audience. The Asphyx is a must-watch for those who appreciate a blend of horror, science fiction, and emotional drama.