Disc Reviews
Stonehearst Asylum Review
At the turn of the 20th century, Dr Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess) arrives at the titular residence (for the mentally insane) only to find that the doctors and nurses in charge are displaying rather odd behaviour and some of the dungeon kept residents are claiming to be the actual staff.
Newgate observes as best he can what has happened here whilst getting to know all manner of people and becomes infatuated with one of the guests in particular (Kate Beckinsale) striking up a relationship with her.
It’s an emotional ride for all involved as it becomes clear just what is going on. Of course this is all studied at surface level as clearly this would not work in any sort of real world (even turn of the century) logic. But it’s a sometimes clever look at the parallels between sanity and madness.
Impressive that this “come and gone” release attracted such a large ensemble cast. Caine these days in particular isn’t much for one going out of his comfort zone – so to have him attached in a key supporting role itself is quite a feat. Ben Kingsley, David Thewlis, Jason Flemyng and a walk on Brendan Gleeson are all good value
Jim Sturgess has been an up and coming star in the making for some time now putting in one decent performance after another, but seems overshadowed here by far too many familiar faces.
Beckinsale steals the main credit on the box unfairly, despite her good performance.
This isn’t likely to shock or even surprise anyone, but it will most definitely entertain those looking for a good “lunatics have taken over the asylum” yarn. It falls down often in its own logic, but it’s for the most part a diverting little period set thriller brought to life with a game cast of professionals.
Steven Hurst