Horror Yearbook – When the Lights Go Down, the fear starts to rise in Asylum Blackout (2011), a hidden gem in the horror genre. This film, also known as The Incident, takes viewers on a terrifying journey inside an isolated asylum for the criminally insane. Combining claustrophobia, power struggles, and a touch of madness, the film delivers suspense and dread that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
The film takes place in 1989 and follows a group of cooks: George, Max, and Ricky. They work at a remote asylum in Washington state for criminally insane inmates. While George, the head chef, strives to improve the quality of meals for the inmates, the asylum’s staff seems indifferent and harsh toward the residents. The inmates are heavily medicated, making their behavior manageable, and the cooks’ jobs remain uneventful. However, everything changes one fateful night when a massive thunderstorm knocks out the power.
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With the power out, all the asylum’s security doors and gates unlock, allowing the inmates to roam free. This simple shift sets the stage for terror. George and his colleagues are now trapped in the asylum with dangerous individuals, including the unsettling Harry Green (played by Richard Brake). His creepy presence creates an eerie atmosphere that lingers throughout the film. What begins as a slow-burn, somewhat familiar setup soon escalates into a nail-biting and claustrophobic horror experience.
As the lights go out, Asylum Blackout transforms into a tense thriller. The movie skillfully builds a sense of suffocating fear, making the audience feel as trapped as the main characters. The small setting of the asylum and the overwhelming darkness contribute to the anxiety that builds as the film progresses. The actors’ performances, particularly Brake’s portrayal of the deranged Harry Green, inject a sense of real danger into the scenario.
Directed by Alexandre Courtes, Asylum Blackout marks his debut in feature filmmaking. Courtes is known for his work in the music video industry, directing for bands like U2 and Alice in Chains. His background in music videos translates well into the visual storytelling of this film. The direction effectively pulls the viewer deeper into the dread-filled environment of the asylum. The script, penned by S. Craig Zahler, also marks his first writing credit before going on to direct well-known films like Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99.
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The film is not for the faint-hearted. While the first 30 minutes may feel slow, the last hour is an intense ride filled with disturbing imagery and well-executed gore effects. The special effects team deserves recognition for their work in creating a gruesome, realistic atmosphere that makes the horror feel tangible. The tension, the danger, and the ever-looming threat of the inmates ramp up as the film nears its end.
Asylum Blackout is a hidden horror gem that deserves more attention. Its slow buildup, combined with effective performances and a spine-chilling atmosphere, will captivate horror enthusiasts. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Roku Channel, this movie is worth checking out for anyone seeking a gripping and unnerving horror experience.
