Asylum (2005) Critic Reviews
Metascore®:
Based upon 13 Critic ReviewsHighest Rated
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A classy unintentional hoot.Read the full review
Mackenzie's film could almost use one or two lurid touches in place of its stately distance. Then again, a more stylized approach might have allowed less room for Richardson, whose unsparing performance makes other elements almost irrelevant.Read the full review
It's an overwrought Gothic melodrama that has a nice first act before it descends into shameless absurdity.Read the full review
Overly plotted erotic drama.Read the full review
McKellen's actions are queerly unpredictable (pun intended), but every plot other twist is portentously foreshadowed.Read the full review
Mostly meets expectations.Read the full review
Nothing wrecks the mood of a high-toned British period piece about erotic obsession quicker than an unintentional laugh. In which case, prepare for Asylum to be derailed by snorts in all the wrong places.Read the full review
It's too over-the-top, too lurid and at times simply too silly to represent any kind of valid commentary on the repressive '50s or the way in which institutions tend to destroy rather than cure. "Far From Heaven," which nailed '50s angst to perfection, Asylum could not be farther from.Read the full review
Ms. Richardson and Mr. Csokas are sunk mainly by the script (it's the handiwork of "Closer" playwright Patrick Marber and Chrysanthy Balis) and by their complete lack of chemistry. Still, their performances do them no credit.Read the full review
A psychological thriller without bothering much with psychology. Come to think of it, the thrills are pretty much missing, as well.Read the full review
