Watch 10 Days in a Madhouse

Set in 1887, 10 Days in a Madhouse is a movie adaptation of the life of Nellie Bly, a courageous journalist who faked insanity to expose the shocking abuse and neglect of female patients in an asylum. Directed by Timothy Hines, the film stars Caroline Barry as Nellie Bly, Christopher Lambert as Dr. Dent, and Kelly LeBrock as Matron Grady.

The movie starts with Nellie Bly, a young journalist, determined to uncover the truth about the cruel treatment of women in an asylum. She convinces her editor at the New York World, John Cockerill, to let her go undercover as a patient in the notorious Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum. Despite her editor's initial reluctance to her idea, he relents after being convinced of the importance of the story.

Nellie is committed to the asylum, and there, she witnesses firsthand the appalling conditions that patients are subjected to, including brutal beatings, inhumane living conditions, and lack of proper nutrition and medical attention. The inmates are regularly beaten and mistreated by the staff, who attribute their abuse to treating their supposed mental illnesses.

Despite the risks, Nellie is determined to uncover the truth behind the treatment of patients in the asylum. She befriends fellow inmates who share their stories of abuse and neglect, which she meticulously documents in her notebook.

As her stay in the asylum is extended to ten days, Nellie's physical and mental state deteriorates. She is regularly subjected to dehumanizing treatments, including being bound and thrown into the bathtub, forced-fed, and hosed down with cold water. Nellie's tenacity and courage are put to the test, but she manages to stay focused on her mission.

Meanwhile, her editor and colleagues worry about her well-being, and her editor makes multiple attempts to secure her release. However, his efforts yield no result, as the asylum's superintendent, Dr. Dent, is unyielding in his decision to keep Nellie detained.

As the ten days come to an end, Nellie is finally released from the asylum, and she publishes her story, which creates a nationwide sensation. Her exposé leads to sweeping changes in the mental health system and the appointment of more women doctors and nurses.

In conclusion, 10 Days in a Madhouse is a gripping movie that tells the story of Nellie Bly's brave mission to expose the horrific conditions faced by patients in an asylum. The film provides a haunting insight into the world of mental health in the late 19th century and highlights how investigative journalism can expose gross injustices and lead to positive social change. The performances of the lead actors, especially Caroline Barry's portrayal of Nellie Bly, are exceptional and help bring the story to life.

10 Days in a Madhouse is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.