Instinct

R

Released Jun 4, 1999

2h 3m

Drama

List

26%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

67%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

Years after he goes missing in the jungles of Africa, anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) resurfaces when it's discovered that he has murdered two poachers who were killing the gorillas he was studying. After spending an extended time living with the primates and without any human contact, Powell seems to be unhinged, and psychiatrist Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is called in to try to get through to the withdrawn and angry man -- who may be wiser and saner than he appears.

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Critics Consensus

A convoluted and predictable plot overshadows the performances.

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Globe and Mail

Rated: 2/4

Mar 22, 2002

Full Review

Philip Wuntch

Dallas Morning News

Regardless of how familiar the storyline and characters seem, everyone connected with the movie seems to think it's of invaluable importance. Instinct is one suffocatingly pompous flick.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Julie Hinds

San Jose Mercury News

The result is so artificial.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

Rated: 2/4

Dec 27, 2007

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Yet another spiritual weepie that decries human follies and yet puts a happy face on it all.

Rated: F

Sep 24, 2007

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 1.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

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jake h

There is no such thing as a movie critic. Just a person's response to a movie picture withe audio, this movie holds a very poignant feeling in my heart I watched it during shitty time, movies should not be judged, you like it cool ya don't that's fine to, ppl who make a living off this go get a real job like a bricky or labourer a chef like myself. Makes me sad like ape man that this is even a thing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/24

Full Review

Steve D

The viewer will be well ahead of the script which guts any effectiveness.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Chefs C

While the professional Critics tear this movie apart, I really enjoyed it. The performance's by Cuba Gooding and Sir Anthony Hopkins were excellent, giving both character's depth that many movie characters' don't have these days!! This is the 3rd time I've watched this movie and I find something new every time!! Don't listen to the Critics, give this movie the attention it deserves..

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/19/22

Full Review

jay s

Peculiar subject. Altogether enjoyed the movie and the idea to save the gorillas. Should be viewed in Africa where gorilla paw is used as an ashtray.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie is amazing and I don't know why the ratings don't reflect that. I watch it every time it's on. I wish they would play it more often. It's a moving story and captivated me instantly.... These critics must not appreciate Anthony Hopkins true natural ability to draw you into to the characters. He's amazing in anything he undertakes. 📽🎞🎬 is his passion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A critical and box office failure because it says what nobody wants to hear: mainly that modern society is a prison in which we've exchanged our real natural freedom for an illusion of safety and control, all while being ruled over by those whose defining characteristic is taking from the Earth and others.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

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Jon Turteltaub

Director

Anthony Hopkins

Ethan Powell

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Theo Caulder

Donald Sutherland

Ben Hillard

Maura Tierney

Lynn Powell

George Dzundza

Dr. John Murray

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Synopsis

Years after he goes missing in the jungles of Africa, anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) resurfaces when it's discovered that he has murdered two poachers who were killing the gorillas he was studying. After spending an extended time living with the primates and without any human contact, Powell seems to be unhinged, and psychiatrist Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is called in to try to get through to the withdrawn and angry man -- who may be wiser and saner than he appears.

Director: Jon Turteltaub
Producer: Barbara Boyle, Michael Taylor, Hunt Lowry
Screenwriter: Gerald Di Pego, Gerald Di Pego
Distributor: Buena Vista International [us], Toho Company Ltd., Filmes Lusomundo, Aurum Producciones S.A. [es], Gaumont [fr], Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 4, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 27, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.1M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)