Asylum Blackout (2011)


REVIEWER RATING: 
6/10


Alexandre Courtes makes his debut with Asylum Blackout, a film that went under the title The Incident during its festival run, but was renamed (a couple times) after it was picked up by IFC. The flick is a surprisingly decent debut, but unfortunately tries to be smarter than it actually is by delivering an unnecessarily ambiguous ending. However, for the most part, it wasn't a bad watch.

The story focuses on a group of friends/band mates that work in the kitchen at a local asylum when they're not off trying to put together a record. During one particular night the power goes out due to a heavy thunderstorm, causing the inmates to get a little rowdy, which eventually evolves into a full on riot.  While most of the staff are dead or missing, the remaining band mates must attempt to survive through the night, as they await aid from the police.

The movie's a bit slow-paced in the first 20-mins or so, but was interesting enough to keep me watching, especially as things began to get tense each minute while in the asylum. Things get more insane once the power goes out and the pacing kicks into high gear. The flick manages to dish out some decent atmosphere and suspenseful scenes in the mid-point, while we follow the guys dealing with and evading the inmates and there's a nice amount of blood and semi-gory scenes towards the end.

Sadly, it seemed like the filmmakers didn't quite know how to end the film and attempted to muster up some sort of surprise twist right before we receive the needless ambiguous ending  that'll likely leave you scratching your head upon the initial viewing. I think the movie would've been better off just staying a simple survival genre pic from start to finish, but that's my opinion. Either way, there's definitely some talent behind the camera and I look forward to seeing what else Alexandre Courtes has in stored for us in the future.

Asylum Blackout is a surprisingly decent watch, despite its minor flaws and unnecessarily ambiguous climax. There's enough atmosphere and tension here that should keep the viewer interested and watching through its running time. Worth a look for a boring night.
OVERALL: 
Asylum Blackout is a surprisingly decent watch, despite its minor flaws and unnecessarily ambiguous climax. There's enough atmosphere and tension here that should keep the viewer interested and watching through its running time. Worth a look for a boring night.


UHM is an independently owned site that relies solely on ad revenue, so we ask that if you like this site and what we do to help support by temporarily disabling ad block (if you're using one). If you'd rather help in other ways you can also send a tip by clicking here (or the button below). Any amount helps and will go towards the costs to maintain the site. Anyone who donates will also be listed in our thanks page.