Madhouse

Madhouse

Year: 2004

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: William Butler

HorrorThrillerHorror the undead and monster classicsIntense violence and sexual transgressionGory gruesome and slasher horror

Let the insanity begin. A young psychiatric intern unearths secrets about the mental health facility in which he works.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Madhouse yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Madhouse (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Madhouse (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1989

The events unfold in 1989, a late-1980s setting characterized by a clinical environment and old-school hospital dynamics. The narrative follows a single year’s arc, with key revelations clustering around this period. Flashbacks to past incidents are framed within the same timeframe, underscoring the facility’s troubled history.

Location

Cunningham Hall Mental Facility, Madhouse basement cells

The story centers on Cunningham Hall, a closed psychiatric facility where staff supervise patients under strict rules. The basement “Madhouse” houses the most dangerous inmates, creating a claustrophobic and secretive atmosphere. This environment fosters hidden agendas, embezzlement, and unsettling encounters that drive the plot.

🏥 Hospital 🧠 Psychiatric Facility 🗝️ Secrecy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:49

Main Characters – Madhouse (2004)

Meet the key characters of Madhouse (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Clark Stevens (Joshua Leonard)

A medical intern who arrives at Cunningham Hall to train and ends up uncovering corruption, murder, and a dangerous deception. He is initially curious and principled, but the case forces him to confront a labyrinth of lies and his own possible involvement. His investigation drives the narrative forward as he pieces together the hospital’s secrets.

🧭 Investigator 🎭 Protagonist

Dr. Albert Franks

Director of Cunningham Hall who uses placebo treatments to manipulate patients and siphon funds. He tries to maintain control as the hospital unravels, his authority supported by a veneer of professionalism. His actions reveal a calculated and corrupt leadership at the facility.

🧠 Doctor 🛡️ Antagonist

Sara

A nurse who becomes Clark’s ally, guiding him through the facility and sharing crucial information. She is drawn into the danger at the hospital and ultimately becomes a victim of the killer’s plans.

💊 Nurse 🕵️ Investigator

Alice

A patient with visions of a sinister boy, her symptoms hint at a deeper connection to the hospital’s past. Her observations contribute to the mystery and the eerie atmosphere surrounding the Madhouse.

🔮 Patient 🧠 Visionary

Nurse Hendricks

Head nurse who initially assists Clark, handing him keys and a walkie-talkie. She becomes a casualty in the facility’s deadly turmoil, signaling how the hospital’s dangers affect staff as well as patients.

🧭 Head Nurse 🛡️ Staff

Dr. Morton

A physician at Cunningham Hall who is killed as the facility’s mystery escalates, underscoring the peril faced by staff and patients alike.

🧠 Doctor ⚔️ Victim

Ben London

The patient who infiltrates the hospital by impersonating Clark, orchestrating murders and revealing a chilling resolve. His true identity and motives drive the central twist.

🕵️ Villain 🗡️ Mastermind

Dr. Douglas

A physician at Cunningham Hall who participates in the hospital’s operations and investigations, contributing to the procedural world of the facility.

🧠 Doctor 🕵️ Colleague

Dr. Hendricks

A doctor on the staff, part of the hospital’s medical network. The summary provides limited detail about this character’s actions within the plot.

🧠 Doctor 🧭 Staff

Drake

A security staff member who interacts with patients and staff, involved in early confrontations and the tense dynamics of the facility.

🛡️ Security 🧭 Staff

Mr. Hansen

A supporting presence within the hospital setting; the summary does not elaborate on his actions, but he is part of the facility’s world.

🏷️ Supporting Character 🏥 Staff

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:49

Major Themes – Madhouse (2004)

Explore the central themes of Madhouse (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Identity

The plot hinges on a hidden identity where Clark Stevens discovers he is not who he seems. Ben London impersonates Clark to infiltrate the hospital, twisting trust and perception. The twist reframes the story around how appearances can mask dangerous truths.

🏥 Power & Corruption

Cunningham Hall is shown as a power-driven institution where funding and drug regimens are manipulated for personal gain. Dr. Franks exploits these systems, masking his wrongdoing behind professional authority. The investigation into murders exposes how institutional power enables cover-ups.

🔮 Reality vs Illusion

Visions, hallucinations, and secret histories blur the boundary between sanity and manipulation. Clark’s discoveries are shaped by eerie imagery and a sense that reality may be constructed. The tension revolves around distinguishing real events from manipulated perceptions.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:49

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Madhouse in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Madhouse is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Madhouse Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Madhouse, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Madhouse Summary

Madhouse Timeline

Track the full timeline of Madhouse with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Madhouse Timeline

Madhouse Spoiler-Free Summary

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Madhouse Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Madhouse

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More About Madhouse