‘There is evil inside us all’
Asylum of Darkness is a 2017 American horror film written and directed by Jay Woelfel (Ghost Lake; Beyond Dream’s Door; Things). The movie stars Nick Baldasare, Amanda Howell and Richard Hatch.
Plot:
Dwight Stroud (Nick Baldasare) is incarcerated in an asylum for the criminally insane. Dr Shaker (Richard Hatch) oversees Stroud’s case. Dwight claims he is innocent yet cannot recall why he is in the asylum. He has hallucinations yet is aware of this.
Fellow patient Van Gogh (Frank Jones Jr.) paints the future but his visions force him to gouge out his eyes. Appalled, Dwight escapes and discovers he has a new body, a man named Artemis Finch, an ex-alcoholic and also a former asylum inmate. His attractive wife Ellen (Amanda Howell) treats him disparagingly…
Reviews:
“It’s a valiant attempt at something different, but its random editing, presumably intentional to serve the ‘dissociative’ nature of the movie, coupled with a somnambulatory performance by Nick Baldasare as our lunatic hero and a near two hour running length make this one a no no.” Dark Eyes of London
“Asylum of Darkness is an authentic old school horror movie with a twisting and twisted tale. It is acted well and has great in movie music. It is genuinely bonkers and sometimes confusing but never to the detriment of the entertainment it is pouring out. To end with more moments of insanity, even the credits roll up the screen, not down.” Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
“It is a film that could be done with editing down as at nearly 2 hours long some scenes do drag on a bit and don’t really add anything to the story or characters. Ultimately if you are looking for something not of the norm and want to experience the madness within check out this film.” Horror Screams Video Vault
“Asylum of Darkness does well in creating a surreal atmosphere and is worth watching for some creative special effects and a good performance by Nick Baldasare. But with its confusing story and running time of nearly 2 hours feel a little drawn out, so it may not be to everyone’s taste.” Nerdly
“It’s weird as hell […] the runtime is nearly two-hours long, but the story is solid enough that it doesn’t feel like it’s that long at all, and you want more after it ends.” Ravenous Monster
“Asylum of Darkness is something quite unique, a film that seems to very much enjoy to get lost in its intentionally maze-like plot only to find shortcuts and detours that one might not even have thought of, that likes to mix horror with the unapologetically grotesque, and that refuses to give too simple answers, instead lets the viewers piece together the story by themselves.” Search My Trash
“With a mix of heavy, purposefully trope-ish music (composed by Woelfel) and public domain classics, Asylum of Darkness is a film that, beneath its B-movie horror exterior lies a highly-satisfying tale of breakdown and damnation that despite its gore, is open for plenty of interpretation.” That Moment In
“Overall, Asylum of Darkness is an entertaining watch that has a cult-following essence to it, and can be enjoyed when its campy fun shines through its flaws.” TN Horror News
“Asylum of Darkness was a wonderful time travel experience. A perfectly shot throwback to the 1990s horror television style. It has a good cast, top-notch score, appropriate corniness and a keep you wondering storyline.” Without Your Head
Cast and characters:
Nick Baldasare … Dwight Stroud
Amanda Howell … Ellen
Richard Hatch … Dr Shaker
Tim Thomerson … Detective Kesler
Tiffany Shepis … Hope, Dwight’s Wife
Frank Jones Jr. … Van Gogh
Lonell R. Childred … Event Guest
John Hawk … Artemis Finch
Tanya Hutchins … News Anchor
Cash Kimmerle … Neighbor’s Husband
Joe Lusher … Board Room Executive
Patricia McBride … Jackie
Emmy Osicka … Faceless Female
Matt Proctor … Orderly
Leslie Whirly Robinson … Board Room Executive
Brian Spears … Muckman
Jodiviah Stepp … Police Officer
Scott Summitt … Oscar Werner
Trailer:
Full film – free to watch online:
