The Asylum (2009) Review in 2025
A group of friends discover that their new apartment is actually an asylum, and they must survive the night against the vengeful spirits of former patients.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to intense horror elements and gore.
CineReview Recommendation
If you enjoy horror movies with a supernatural twist, you may enjoy The Asylum. However, be prepared for some intense and disturbing scenes.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The group soon realizes that the asylum was the site of a horrific experiment, and the spirits are the result of a twisted doctor's attempt to cure mental illness. As they try to escape, they are stalked by the vengeful spirits, and one by one, they start to disappear.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and suspenseful, with a unique twist on the traditional horror genre. However, the pacing is a bit slow, and the plot is predictable at times.
acting6.00/10
The acting is decent, but some of the performances feel forced or over-the-top. Sean Patrick Flanery is the standout, bringing some much-needed depth to the film.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel like cardboard cutouts. The main character, Sean, is the most relatable, but even he has some flaws.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with some effective jump scares and creepy atmosphere. However, the film could have benefited from more tension and suspense.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with some stunning visuals and a creepy color palette. The use of lighting is also noteworthy, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Asylum is a solid horror film with some effective jump scares and a creepy atmosphere. The cinematography is excellent, and Sean Patrick Flanery delivers a standout performance.
Cons
The pacing is slow, and the plot is predictable at times. Some of the characters feel like cardboard cutouts, and the acting is decent but not exceptional.
Notable Quotes
"Get out while you still can."
"You're not welcome here."
