Stuck in a loveless marriage and living in the grounds of the asylum where her husband works, life holds few pleasures for Stella Raphael. That’s until inmate Edgar Stark is detailed to work in her garden and the two embark on an intense affair. But Stella is blind to the risks she’s taking – Stark suffers from a severe personality disorder with features of morbid jealousy and was committed to the asylum after decapitating his wife. Mmm, quite a catch, then! Adapted from Patrick McGrath’s novel, Asylum is a disturbing and, at times, unbearably tragic tale.
Where the film does falter is in rushing the burgeoning relationship between Stella and Stark – they've scarcely met before they’re frenziedly ripping each other’s clothes off. Consequently, there’s too little time to empathise with the troubled inmate or fully appreciate Stella’s infatuation. But the actors’ impressive performances paper over any cracks. Natasha Richardson is excellent as Stella – sleepwalking through life before passion overwhelms her and then numbed again as events spiral out of control. She’s matched by Ian McKellen, playing the psychiatrist in charge of Stark’s case, whose true intentions always seem hidden.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ An erotic gothic tale that remains unpredictable throughout:
