Watch Escaping The Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story

Escaping The Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story is Amazon Addon's gripping 2019 biographical film based on the true story of Nellie Bly, an investigative journalist who goes undercover as a patient in a mental asylum in the late 19th century. The show stars Christina Ricci, Judith Light, and Josh Bowman, who deliver outstanding performances and bring authenticity to the tale.

The opening sequence reveals the harrowing journey of Bly (Christina Ricci) as she is taken captive and committed to a mental asylum. The sinister practices, indifferent staff, and the grotesque living conditions inside the asylum are depicted in stark detail. The movie portrays the brutalities and torture faced by the patients and exposes the cruel and unforgivable treatment that they received. It shows her challenging her placement by talking to other patients and proving she was sane.

The storyline then jumps back to a time when Nellie Bly first pitched the idea of investigating the conditions of mental asylums to her editor, who firmly believed that the project was too dangerous and would expose Bly to unnecessary risks. However, Bly was determined to undertake the investigation and get to the bottom of the atrocities that were being carried out inside these asylums.

The movie covers an array of themes, including gender bias, stigma related to mental illness, and the lack of humanity that was prevalent in medical care during that time. Nellie Bly was a pioneer in investigative journalism, and the movie celebrates her audacity, fearlessness, and determination to bring to light the injustices that were perpetrated against women and those who were considered insane.

The movie is not only a significant account of a journalist's undaunted expedition, but it is also an exploration of the culture of medical negligence, especially towards women, across the 18th and 19th centuries. Judith Light plays Matron Grady, the head nurse in charge of the asylum, who is brutal towards patients and completely dismissive of their needs. Her performance is incredible, and she brings an air of menace to the movie.

Josh Bowman plays Dr. Josiah, one of the psychiatrists in charge of the asylum, who is both cunning and cruel towards patients. He is complicit in the torment that is inflicted on them and maintains the status quo. Bowman's performance is nuanced, and he brings depth to the character by showing that he is not just a cold-hearted villain but rather someone who is driven by ambition and ego.

The movie is not only a historical drama, but it is also a psychological thriller that keeps the audience on edge throughout the 90-minute runtime. The haunting score and the bleak yet stunning cinematography evoke a sense of despair and hopelessness, which is the reality of the mental health care scenario during those times. The movie's pacing is excellent, and the flashbacks are well-timed, providing the viewers with a glimpse into Nellie Bly's investigative methods and uncovering of the system's brutalities at the right moments.

In conclusion, Escaping The Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story is a must-watch for those who enjoy historical dramas and psychological thrillers. The movie is a tribute to one of the most prominent investigative journalists who boldly challenged the status quo and brought about a change in the medical system's care for the mentally ill. The performances by the cast, especially Christina Ricci, Judith Light, and Josh Bowman, are impressive, and the direction and cinematography create a haunting yet captivating narrative. The movie is a valuable contribution to understanding the history of mental health care and the women who fought against the injustices of the time.

Escaping The Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on January 6, 2019.