Skip to content
MovieCove
Asylum

Asylum

Passion. Possession.

200599 minRMidcredits score: 40th percentile of all films
Director
David Mackenzie
Starring
Natasha Richardson, Hugh Bonneville, Ian McKellen, Joss Ackland

A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty in the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Asylum?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Asylum streaming on Paramount+ via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Asylum?

Asylum earns 2 badges, led by Award Winner and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Asylum worth watching?

Asylum's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all films, from 7.7K ratings across 5 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of films

37th percentile among Drama39th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)37th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

58 /100

37th percentile of all films

34th percentile among Drama37th percentile among 2000s

Critics 51 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

40th percentile among Drama41st percentile among 2000s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 36% · Audience 42%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

80th percentile

7.7K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Drama73rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$36K
Domestic gross$375K
Worldwide gross$2.8M

73rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A gloomy, erotic period drama about a woman's all-consuming affair with a violent inmate that ends in tragedy.

Fans praised

  • Natasha Richardson's performance as a repressed wife descending into obsession
  • visceral, animalistic sensuality in the sex scenes
  • gloomy, claustrophobic atmosphere of 1950s asylum life

Detractors panned

  • laughable, poorly written dialogue undermines dramatic tension
  • one-dimensional characters with no sympathetic qualities
  • plot holes and illogical character decisions

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Richardson acclaimed by fans; some detractors cite Csokas-Richardson lack of chemistry

AtmosphereDivisive70

Fans laud claustrophobic, repressed 1950s asylum environment; detractors call dreary

CinematographyDivisive70

Praised for faded period look, gloomy grey tones

TensionDivisive55

Fans praise erotic suspense; detractors find no thrills

Emotional impactDivisive50

Fans describe disturbing, haunting; detractors feel only depression and anger

Characters45

Stella called sympathetic by fans, one-dimensional and unsympathetic by detractors

DialogueDivisive45

Some fans find it witty; detractors say cheesy, causes unintended laughter

Plot and storyDivisive40

Fans call it compelling adaptation; detractors cite implausible events and large holes

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 12 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Asylum like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with a serious, unflinching gaze, focusing on the destructive power of obsession without undercutting its drama.
The rideThe synopsis suggests a building tension and dread as Stella's curiosity turns into something more dangerous, with the heaviest emotional weight in the later stages.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order, following Stella's journey into obsession and its consequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's tragic arc leaves a lingering sense of loss and moral weight.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% (this title) · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows a woman's dangerous attraction to a murderer, leading to a tragic fall driven by obsession.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfObsession
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Obsession · 3% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of filmsIsolation · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe story is driven by a woman's dangerous fixation on an inmate, which unravels her relationships and sense of self.
StanceThe film appears to warn against the dangers of obsession and the cost of crossing boundaries, centering on one woman's perspective.

The world

Mid 20th centuryInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Mark Mancina
SettingA British psychiatric hospital and its surrounding community
MusicMancina's score likely underscores the psychological tension and brooding atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Asylum okay for kids?

R

Asylum is rated R: “Rated R for strong sexuality, some violence and brief language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (48/100), sexual content at intense (69/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at moderate (58/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea청소년 관람불가
  • Netherlands16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 86%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (38 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Asylum have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Asylum?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Natasha Richardson
as Stella Raphael
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Hugh Bonneville
as Max Raphael
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ian McKellen
as Dr. Peter Cleave
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joss Ackland
as Jack Straffen
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Gus Lewis
as Charlie Raphael
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Wanda Ventham
as Bridie Straffen
Maria Aitken
as Claudia Greene
Hazel Douglas
as Lilly
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Marton Csokas
as Edgar Stark
Judy Parfitt
as Brenda Raphael

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Asylum?

Movies like Asylum include Young Adam (2003), Notes on a Scandal (2006) and The Good Doctor (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories of obsession, and most are films that feel bleak.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

4 of these 12 share its world: medicine. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Asylum?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: forbidden love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.