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Stephen King's "The Institute" is a fantastic adaptation of the novel

Updated: 19 hours ago

Reel Perspectives

July 15, 2025


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The new supernatural horror series "The Institute" premiered on MGM+ on July 13, 2025, with the release of its first two episodes. It's a compelling adaptation of the 2019 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The series will consist of 8 episodes, with new episodes released weekly until the finale on August 24, 2025.


Written by Benjamin Cavell and directed by Jack Bender, the series follows Luke Ellis, a 14-year-old telekinetic genius with an impressive IQ, who has been abducted and awakens at a facility called The Institute, run by the mysterious Ms. Sigsby. Ellis encounters other kidnapped children who all possess unique special abilities and are the subject of painful experiments, split into two categories—TK (Telekinetic) and TP (Telepathic). Across town, former Boston police officer Tim Jamieson, haunted by his past, hopes to find a fresh start, but that hope is quickly dashed as conversations with a homeless woman raises his suspicions, leading Jamieson to investigate the mysterious facility.


MGM+
MGM+

The series stars:


  • Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson

  • Joe Freeman as Luke Ellis

  • Simone Miller as Kalisha

  • Fionn Laird as Nick

  • Hannah Galway as Wendy

  • Julian Richings as Stackhouse

  • Robert Joy as Hendricks

  • Martin Roach as Chief Ashworth

  • Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby


The series is compelling, crafting a fascinating narrative that doesn't stray too far from the source material. The mystery surrounding the Intutue and their sinister motivations produces chilling effects with psychological trauma that the children are subjected to. The performances, notably by Barnes, Louise, and Freeman, offer layered portrayals that bring the eerie suspense to life, leaving you fully engaged in the series. Highly recommended, the series is a must watch, especially if you're a fan of Stephen King.


Catch the first two episodes of The Institute exclusively on MGM+.


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