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Instinct

Play trailer Poster for Instinct R Released Jun 4, 1999 2h 3m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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26% Tomatometer 65 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 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 is called in to try to get through to the withdrawn and angry man -- who may be wiser and saner than he appears.
Instinct

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Critics Consensus

A convoluted and predictable plot overshadows the performances.

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Critics Reviews

View All (65) Critics Reviews
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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (710) audience reviews
Audience Member Several well done and moving scenes can not erase a number of unfortunate stumbles and lapses in story and acting prowess. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 09/23/24 Full Review 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 12/19/24 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 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 Read all reviews
Instinct

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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)