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– ) ⭐ 6.9 | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

The Institute: With Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Julian Richings, Mary-Louise Parker. A teen genius wakes up in a strange place full of children who got there the same way he did, and who all, like him, possess unusual abilities.

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.