The Institute

Gray2233 · 15 Jul 2025 at 00:16

I did a quick search but couldn't find anything on this.

The Institute (TV Series 2025– ) ⭐ 6.8 | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

55m | 15

www.imdb.com

Based on the novel written by Stephen King, the first two episodes are currently out. It features Ben Barnes in a lead role, who has surprisingly grown on me over the years. It's a bit slow burn as one might expect from anything based on Kings work, but I'm enjoying it so far and would give it a solid 6.5/7.0-10. I've not read the book to forewarn so for those that have they may have a totally different take. It features a kidnapped mid teen with a "high IQ" that is kidnapped for testing by a questionable and shadowy organisation due to him showing signs of having psychic powers, it's listed as a horror but I'd say so far it's more of a mystery/thriller unless things really kick up a notch in future episodes.

I'd recommend giving it a shot for people into some of Kings other past work, or shows such as "From".

Rroff · 15 Jul 2025 at 01:40

First episode was OK though the CGI was a bit ropey on the buildings, etc., film adaptions of Stephen King at least usually start strong and then get a bit weird and struggle.

Gray2233 · 15 Jul 2025 at 03:35

Rroff said:
First episode was OK though the CGI was a bit ropey on the buildings, etc., film adaptions of Stephen King at least usually start strong and then get a bit weird and struggle.

Oddly enough the best I can think of outside of the obvious is the little known Storm of the Century in relation to anything King, I think by and large his stories border too much on the weird to be translated well and when attempted those in charge lack the balls to do things justice.

TonTom · 15 Jul 2025 at 07:27

The trailer put me off watching this.

randal · 15 Jul 2025 at 07:41

I’ll give it a go, just in the hope it somehow links into Castle Rock.

That was some corking telly.

rids57 · 15 Jul 2025 at 08:09

I've read the book so I think I'll wait until all episodes have dropped and binge it

Kyo · 16 Jul 2025 at 20:06

It's been quite good so far. Quite intriguing.

Shamikebab · 16 Jul 2025 at 20:24

I liked the book, although the ending was a bit meh iirc

rids57 · 17 Jul 2025 at 08:45

Shamikebab said:
I liked the book, although the ending was a bit meh iirc

Typical Stephen King story then, he really has trouble nailing endings. Luckily his character and story build up is so good I never miss one of his books no matter how they end

Kyo · 17 Jul 2025 at 12:42

See where it leads, its got that Gen X feel to it.