Open Asylum

A grim, slow-burning character study that immerses you in political and personal turmoil with unflinching earnestness.

Directed by

Colm Villa

Genres

Drama

Starring

Frankie McMenimen, Tommy McAteer, Hugh Gallagher

Tagline

Too small to be a Republic. Too large to be an insane asylum

Overview

Open Asylum is the debut feature by Colm Villa, a powerful drama set in Northern Ireland during the early 1980s. The story centres on Tom Bradley, a young metalworker whose life is upended by the intense political turmoil of the time. The film delves into both personal and societal struggles amidst the backdrop of conflict, with a particular focus on class and sub-class dynamics—an often-overlooked theme in narratives about the Troubles.

How it feels

Bleak, tense, earnest and melancholic. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Class, politics, power, identity

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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