As the most adapted author, it is no surprise that there is another adaptation of one of Stephen King's books making its way to our screens. With The Life of Chuck dancing its way onto the big screens later this year, as well as being the closing film for SXSW London, it makes complete sense that The Institute, a series based on the novel also made its debut at the same festival. With the blessing from King himself, enough to have him on as an Executive Producer, the show already shows promise without delving into this science fiction horror story.
Teenage genius Luke wakes one day to find himself in a strange place, a replica of his bedroom, but this is not his home. He meets other teenagers who have also been brought to this place who posses unusual abilities, just like him. The teens have freedom to do what they want, except being able to leave or contact their families. There are strict rules and mandatory tests that if they do not obey will result in dire consequences. This is The Institute, run by the merciless and mysterious Mrs Sigsby who tells the teens that they are helping to save the world. Alongside these characters is former police officer, Tim who drifts into a nearby town, trying escape and atone for the past. He's looking to start a new life but you can't shake the feeling that Tim and Luke's lives are about to collide.
There is a clear sense of menace from the very start of The Institute, even before we are introduced to the imposing building and the shady operatives who inhabit it. Even in the quieter scenes between Luke and his parents, there is a black cloud hanging over our (assumed) heroes. This black cloud only becomes more apparent as we are introduced to more characters in both Luke and Tim's lives. The Institute hides secrets behind its beige walls and creepy pro positive posters. The desolate rooms and hallways, as well as one particularly cruel scene involving Luke being tagged, all point to the more sinister moments to come in the show. Though The Institute takes more time in the opening episode, we are still given a decent view and background info on Tim and his life before he arrives on the scene.
As a pilot episode, there is obvious intrigue and there is enough information to give you an idea as to how the show will map out but it is only a taster. Usually when TV shows are shown at festivals, it 2 or 3 episodes on offer so only showing one felt a bit short. Though the Q&A with the creators and cast members was a nice added bonus, it also still felt like just a taster. Withholding spoilers, unless you've read the book, also was something to navigate and there felt there was little that could talked about.
With such an intriguing premise and with the set ups to hook you into this new world, its almost a shame that the show will be on yet another streaming service that you'll be forced to subscribe to in order watch the rest of the show. MGM+, part of the Amazon, is the service or ‘channel' in question. Shows such as this would thrive if given the opportunity to stand out on a network or even Amazon Prime itself, so its seems strange to launch the brand-new show into near obscurity. The pilot episode was indeed good enough to hook an audience but its doubtful whether an audience, already weary of having to subscribe to a dozen other services will be compelled enough, willing to pay, to see the rest of the show. We'll have to wait and see when the show premieres in July on MGM+.
The Institute screened at SXSW London and will premiere on MGM+ July 13th
