Stonehearst Asylum

As the year 1899 approaches its end at Oxford University, Professor Edward Newgate captivates his audience with a case study on patient Eliza Graves, who struggles with female hysteria. Newgate's observations lead him to question the rationality of mental patients, prompting him to delve deeper into the world of psychiatry.

Determined to explore his insights further, Newgate embarks on a journey to Stonehearst Asylum, adopting the identity of Dr. Edward Newgate. His intention to investigate the functioning of the asylum brings him face to face with an unconventional approach to mental health care.

Upon entering the asylum, Newgate is struck by the charismatic Dr. Silas Lamb, who advocates for exploring patients' delusions rather than relying on traditional treatment methods. This progressive environment intrigues Newgate, leading him deeper into the complexities of the asylum's operation.

In this liberated setting, Newgate finds himself increasingly drawn to Eliza Graves, who embodies both beauty and mystery. As he learns more about her struggles, he becomes determined to understand her psyche and the reasons behind her affliction.

As Christmas approaches, tensions within the asylum begin to escalate, culminating in a tense confrontation between Newgate and Mickey Finn, the violent leader of a rebellious faction. Eliza intervenes during a festive toast, urging Newgate to escape the looming danger.

Newgate discovers a sinister underbelly to Dr. Lamb's methods: the asylum's staff have been drugging patients and manipulating situations to incite chaos. He learns this critical information from Dr. Salt and Mrs. Pike, who caution him against Lamb's questionable past.

Newgate is assigned to care for Arthur Timbs, a mentally unstable patient bearing the scars of a troubled past. Utilizing his keen observational skills, he aims to help Timbs overcome his distress while gathering insights about the asylum's unsettling environment.

Staff members Paxton and Swanwick attempt to flee the asylum but fall victim to Finn's gang. Their failed escape highlights the dangers lurking within the asylum, propelling Newgate further into a fight for survival and truth.

As midnight approaches on New Year's Eve, chaos erupts when Finn brutally murders a female patient. In the midst of the turmoil, Newgate tries to lace champagne with chloral hydrate to regain control but finds himself trapped.

Newgate confronts Dr. Lamb, revealing his intentions to save Eliza. Their confrontation reaches a boiling point when Lamb shows a photograph of Eliza, only for Newgate to realize it depicts one of Lamb's earlier victims, further escalating the tension.

In a dramatic turn of events, the patients rise against Finn after he commits an act of cruelty. As chaos ensues, Arthur takes the lead in the rebellion, leading to a fiery confrontation that threatens to consume the asylum.

Amidst the flames and turmoil, Eliza emerges as a leader, guiding her fellow patients to safety. Meanwhile, Newgate seeks out a guilt-ridden Lamb, who grapples with his dark wartime past as the asylum burns around them.

As calm returns, Newgate approaches Eliza, urging her to escape with him. However, Eliza feels entangled by their differing worlds, revealing her internal struggle between longing for freedom and her feelings of worthlessness.

Months later, Arthur guards the gates of the institution in preparation for the arrival of Eliza's husband. However, unsettling revelations emerge when they discover that Newgate has been replaced by a fraudulent impostor, adding layers to their already complicated saga.

While Eliza and her impostor partner enjoy a façade of peace in Tuscany, the true identities and intentions behind their lives begin to unravel. Lamb, playing chess with Salt, reflects on the deception that has intertwined their fates in a grotesque dance of reality.