Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein got you hyped? The Asphyx is the forgotten British thriller that tackles immortality and morality

The Asphyx is a forgotten British film that mixes both horror and science fiction genres. It might click with you if you are waiting for Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein, which will release in November 2025. Meanwhile, The Asphyx is a film that seems to be long forgotten even by horror fans. Here's the official synopsis for the movie:

"English country squire Sir Hugo Cunningham searches for immortality by literally 'bottling up' the Spirit of the Dead, or Asphyx."

The film tackles mortality and immortality all in the garb of a thriller, horror sci-fi vehicle. So let us take a closer look at this film.

What is The Asphyx all about?

A still from The Asphyx | Image via Screenbound Pictures

The Asphyx was released back in 1972, and since then, numerous vampire films have come out. But this British flick takes the cake because of its interesting take on immortality and its pursuit. Directed by Peter Newbrook, this film doesn't border on the campy horror territory that was prevalent around that time. Instead, it's a thought-provoking examination of several important themes.

Produced by John Brittany and written by Brian Comport, Christina Beers, and Laurence Beers, the film is set in Victorian England and focuses on a scientist named Sir Hugo Cunningham. His character has echoes of the Frankenstein doctor, and it's an addition to the mad scientist trope in the horror genre.

Robert Stephens plays Hugo, and his performance remains the centre point of the film. A member of the parapsychology society, he is someone who wants to live forever and is looking for ways to achieve immortality. Hugo manages to find a photograph, which is reportedly of a soul. He takes the help of his daughter and an adopted son to find out some answers.

Why The Asphyx stood out at the time of its release

We have been watching mad scientist movies forever, and if you're a fan of Frankenstein and Guillermo Del Toro's filmmaking, then Stephen's performance and the film's overall writing might manage to surprise you. Unlike other iterations of mad scientists, his acting is subtle and somber. This gothic horror remains grounded throughout and also has elements of the occult sprinkled throughout the storyline.

The Asphyx came at a time when the horror genre was shifting from realistic storytelling to outlandish slasher films. The protagonist is later revealed to be the antagonist, and the writing makes us feel uneasy about it. But the scientist has his own reasons to have such strong beliefs about immortality.

Even the title is a shorthand for asphyxiation or lack of breath. Add to that, the weird family tree of Doctor Cunningham (his adopted son's intention to marry his real biological daughter) is another layer that makes this story worth giving a watch.

So you can be prepared for something quite bizarre. Certain retrospective critical reviews of the film focus on the things that make it special, particularly its ending. One critic, Bob Brinkman, wrote,

"With a twist towards the end of the story that is not a gimmick, but instead a well-turned bit of grief-filled misdirection, this is a must-see for fans of gothic cinema."

Another one from Brett Gallman called it an,

"old fashioned, cathartic tragedy with familial bloodshed, played in garish fashion and with the moralizing pathos of medieval drama."

As the review pointed out, the ending is not shocking but feels deserved. This makes it stand out as most horror films around that time relied on twists that were too merely for shock value.

For people who are waiting for Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, they can give this gothic horror a try. It's a slow burn and goes at its own pace. But the end result will surprise and satisfy all the genre fans.

Will you be watching The Asphyx?