Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
On Imdb, Stonehearst Asylum is described perfectly in one sentence: “An Oxford graduate takes up a job in a mental asylum, only to discover that the new treatments are inhumane and there is more going on than meets the eye.” That’s all you need to know before watching this film, besides the all-star cast: Jim Sturgess, Kate Beckinsale, Michael Caine, Ben Kingsley, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson, and Sinead Cusack. This is a fantastic movie, one that I would add to my lineup of Halloween movies, except that I wouldn’t want to wait and only watch it once a year!
Jim Sturgess plays the new doctor, and he’s mature and charming, which shows a new side to his acting. Fans of his, or anyone who only knows him as “the Beatles guy”, will be very impressed. Kate Beckinsale is beautiful and mysterious, providing a classy and luminous element to the otherwise spooky setting. Those who have seen Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine together in the hilarious film Without a Clue will be delighted to see them reunited, and with an entirely different screen relationship. . .
While most of the film is scary, it’s not filled with “gotcha” scares or gore. It’s very tasteful, and puts the audience in a constant state of suspense rather than frightening them so much so that they won’t be able to sleep that night. The lighting and sets truly transport the audience to the time period, and Joe Gangemi fleshes out Edgar Allan Poe’s story wonderfully. Brad Anderson’s direction includes a wonderful attention to detail, so that when you watch it for the second or sixth time, you’re still getting more out of it. With a touch of humor—David Thewlis’s character is named Mickey Finn—and an incredibly intriguing story, this is a film to treasure. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Ben Kingsley’s son Edmund, in the small role as Kate Beckinsale’s husband!
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some scary scenes, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it until they're a little older.
More Michael Caine movies here!
Jim Sturgess plays the new doctor, and he’s mature and charming, which shows a new side to his acting. Fans of his, or anyone who only knows him as “the Beatles guy”, will be very impressed. Kate Beckinsale is beautiful and mysterious, providing a classy and luminous element to the otherwise spooky setting. Those who have seen Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine together in the hilarious film Without a Clue will be delighted to see them reunited, and with an entirely different screen relationship. . .
While most of the film is scary, it’s not filled with “gotcha” scares or gore. It’s very tasteful, and puts the audience in a constant state of suspense rather than frightening them so much so that they won’t be able to sleep that night. The lighting and sets truly transport the audience to the time period, and Joe Gangemi fleshes out Edgar Allan Poe’s story wonderfully. Brad Anderson’s direction includes a wonderful attention to detail, so that when you watch it for the second or sixth time, you’re still getting more out of it. With a touch of humor—David Thewlis’s character is named Mickey Finn—and an incredibly intriguing story, this is a film to treasure. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Ben Kingsley’s son Edmund, in the small role as Kate Beckinsale’s husband!
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some scary scenes, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it until they're a little older.
More Michael Caine movies here!