Watch The Sickhouse

The Sickhouse is a horror movie released in 2008, directed by Curtis Radclyffe and starring Gina Philips, Alex Hassell, and Kellie Shirley. The film takes place in an isolated hospital ward in 19th century England, where a young American woman named Anna (Gina Philips) is being treated for tuberculosis. However, she soon realizes that the hospital is not what it seems, as she and her fellow patients are haunted by unexplainable supernatural events.

The movie opens with a brief explanation of the history of tuberculosis in the 19th century, and how it was often treated in isolated sanatoriums. Anna is introduced as a young woman suffering from the disease, who is sent to the hospital by her wealthy father. Upon her arrival, she is immediately subjected to strange and frightening occurrences, such as seeing a ghostly figure in the hallway and being locked in her room without explanation.

Anna soon befriends a fellow patient, a young Englishman named Robert (Alex Hassell), who is also suffering from tuberculosis. They begin to investigate the strange happenings in the hospital, and with the help of a sympathetic nurse, they uncover a dark secret about the institution. They find out that the hospital is the site of a series of experiments by a mad scientist, who is using patients as guinea pigs in his attempts to find a cure for tuberculosis.

As Anna and Robert delve deeper into the mystery, they become more and more convinced that they are in grave danger. They are pursued by the hospital staff, who are desperate to keep their experiments a secret. Meanwhile, Anna begins to experience strange visions and nightmares, leading her to question her own sanity.

The Sickhouse is a classic horror movie, with jump scares, creepy atmosphere, and a tense storyline that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The performances by the leading actors are solid, with Gina Philips and Alex Hassell delivering believable and sympathetic portrayals of their characters. The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Kellie Shirley as the friendly nurse who helps Anna and Robert.

The film's director, Curtis Radclyffe, does an excellent job of building tension, using shadows and eerie sound effects to create a sense of dread. The hospital setting is suitably claustrophobic, with dimly lit corridors and locked doors adding to the sense of unease. The costumes and production design are also noteworthy, with the movie capturing the look and feel of 19th century England convincingly.

One of the strengths of The Sickhouse is its use of historical context to add depth to the story. The movie explores the harsh reality of life with tuberculosis in the 19th century, and how it was often a death sentence for those who contracted it. The sanatoriums of the time were often seen as places of confinement and despair, with little hope for recovery. This adds a layer of poignancy to the characters and their struggles, as they battle not only the supernatural, but also their own mortality.

Overall, The Sickhouse is a solid horror movie that delivers on scares and atmosphere. It is a well-made film that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those interested in historical drama. While it may not break new ground in terms of its storyline or themes, it is a satisfying and entertaining movie that is worth checking out for horror aficionados.