Open Asylum

“Too small to be a Republic. Too large to be an insane asylum”

Open Asylum is the debut feature by Colm Villa, a powerful drama set in Northern Ireland during the early 1980s. The story centres on Tom Bradley, a young metalworker whose life is upended by the intense political turmoil of the time. The film delves into both personal and societal struggles amidst the backdrop of conflict, with a particular focus on class and sub-class dynamics—an often-overlooked theme in narratives about the Troubles.