I love a good Horror / mystery and that’s what best describes Stonehearst Asylum (2014). Based on an Edgar Allan Poe story it’s certainly not an unknown tale but it is a rather good one. I’ve been meaning to watch this film for some time yet somehow never got around to doing so. Anyway I have now and here is my Stonehearst Asylum Blu-ray Review.
- Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Lionsgate
- Blu-ray Released: 22 June 2015
Plot
When Dr Edward Newgate witness’s a lecture demonstrating a case of female hysteria, he decides to seek out the woman suffering from the disorder. She is Lady Eliza Graves (Kate Beckinsale) and resides at the Stonehearst Asylum. Dr Edward Newgate goes there to learn Dr. Silas Lamb’s methods and techniques used in treating these patients.
Upon his arrival he finds the patients are all wondering around seemingly doing whatever they please. This may just be one of Dr. Silas Lamb’s ways to help them overcome their many problems, then again all may not be as it seems.
Style / Direction
Right from the very start it’s incredibly stylish shot, the camera angles used add to the sense of madness in and around the Asylum. The snowy and stormy weather adds to the remoteness of Stonehearst’s apparent location. This isolation will play a huge part in ramping up the tension and intrigue.
Credit must go to both director Brad Anderson and his cinematographer Thomas Yatsko for providing a visually stunning world of a mental asylum set in 1899.
Directed by Brad Anderson, with the cinematography being handled by Thomas Yatsko.
Music / Audio Effects
The music perfectly reflects the madness, the horror and mystery and is provided by John Debney.
Acting / Characters
The main character and the one from who’s perspective we see proceedings is Edward Newgate played by Jim Sturgess. From the moment he lays his eyes on Lady Eliza Graves (Kate Beckinsale) his appears totally captivated by her.
In fact the two actors both put in excellent performances that brings a forbidden romance that simply cannot be denied. It works brilliantly as does Ben Kingsley as the man in charge of Stonehearst Asylum. He plays it well, normal and in control one moment and the next wild and unpredictable that suggests all might not be well with his mental state. Gripping and enthralling throughout.
Michael Caine also appears and certainly adds some more class to the already fabulous cast, I won’t reveal the character he plays as it would cause a plot spoiler.
Overall the acting is terrific and helps you to become immersed in the madness that is seemingly playing out in every corner of Stonehearst Asylum.
I’m not a generally a huge fan of Kate Beckinsale but she really does turn in a terrific performance.
Conclusion: Stonehearst Asylum (2014) Film Review
Stonehearst Asylum is the perfect combination of gothic horror and mystery, that’s equally stylish and intriguing. If you think you are familiar with the story don’t worry it has a rather nice twist that I certainly didn’t see coming.
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Conclusion: Stonehearst Asylum Blu-ray Review
Clearly the picture quality is not an issue being a 2014 released film so I’ll move on to the extras. There is only one extras and it a general behind the scenes look with cast and crew. It doesn’t last that long but provides just enough insight into the making or the film.
Extras
- The Story of Eliza Graves (6 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: DECENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
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Stonehearst Asylum (2014) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
Perfect viewing this Halloween, well that concludes my Stonehearst Asylum Blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: Stonehearst Asylum (2014) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
Duration: 112 mins
Director(s): Brad Anderson
Actor(s): Jim Sturgess, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
The perfect gothic horror mystery, that’s equally stylish as it is intriguing.
