51
Metascore
29 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittPatrick McGrath's novel provides a solid and suspenseful story, even if it loses much of its bite in Mackenzie's hands.
- 60The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsMackenzie's film could almost use one or two lurid touches in place of its stately distance. Then again, a more stylized approach might have allowed less room for Richardson, whose unsparing performance makes other elements almost irrelevant.
- 50VarietyEddie CockrellVarietyEddie CockrellOverly plotted erotic drama.
- 50Village VoiceJessica WinterVillage VoiceJessica WinterMackenzie and Marber opt for an anonymous viewpoint of clinical detachment, which generates about the same psychodramatic tension as reading the "DSM-IV."
- 50Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumNothing wrecks the mood of a high-toned British period piece about erotic obsession quicker than an unintentional laugh. In which case, prepare for Asylum to be derailed by snorts in all the wrong places.
- 50L.A. WeeklyElla TaylorL.A. WeeklyElla TaylorI hope to God that Patrick McGrath's novel Asylum, about a bunch of repressed Brits manipulating the stuffing out of one another in a 1950s psychiatric hospital, is better than the shallowly competent exercise in nastiness that British director David Mackenzie and screenwriter Patrick Marber have made of it.
- 40The Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttThe Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttA psychological thriller without bothering much with psychology. Come to think of it, the thrills are pretty much missing, as well.
- 40The New York TimesManohla DargisThe New York TimesManohla DargisDreary, claustrophobic drama.
- 40Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasIt's too over-the-top, too lurid and at times simply too silly to represent any kind of valid commentary on the repressive '50s or the way in which institutions tend to destroy rather than cure. "Far From Heaven," which nailed '50s angst to perfection, Asylum could not be farther from.
- 40Wall Street JournalWall Street JournalMs. Richardson and Mr. Csokas are sunk mainly by the script (it's the handiwork of "Closer" playwright Patrick Marber and Chrysanthy Balis) and by their complete lack of chemistry. Still, their performances do them no credit.