The Institute

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The Institute

Released Oct 4, 2013

1h 32m

Documentary

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

17 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Many San Franciscans take part in an elaborate alternate-reality game created by Jeff Hull, but as more players become involved, the game begins to spin out of control.

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John DeFore

The Hollywood Reporter

Mystery is part of the appeal.

Oct 21, 2013

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Peter Keough

Seattle Times

Doesn't always distinguish between fact and fiction, about an interesting social and artistic experiment.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 17, 2013

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Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

"The Institute" stumbles between documentary and exploratory simulation, at once confusing and pedantic.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 10, 2013

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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 8, 2014

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Brian Miller

Seattle Weekly

You're unsure if he's a Werner Erhard-style huckster or a Silicon Alley tub-thumper about to do a product launch. That uncertainty mirrors the players' nervous yet giddy involvement.

Oct 17, 2013

Full Review

Perry Seibert

TV Guide

You leave the film not knowing what to believe, and while that can be frustrating, you're also left with an undeniable urge -- even if it's a tiny one -- to find out more.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 17, 2013

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Audience Member

I was blown away and energized by the concept of the film and the experiences Jeff Hull and company made. It made me rethink how I viewed where I live

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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Audience Member

I was fully engaged and entertained at this curious documentary which allows the viewer to explore one of the more interesting conceptual art projects I've ever seen. Odd and sort of magical.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

wow...kind of a mind blower. highly recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

A bizarre, interesting journey.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

Truth is definitely stranger than fiction, in this creative investigation into the phenomenon of The Institute! It will really mess with your head, but in a good way.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Audience Member

somewhat opaque yet very engaging documentary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

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Spencer McCall

Director

Chelsea London Lloyd

Beth Foley

Tracy Pfau

Jejune Operator

Arye Bender

Octavio Coleman Esq

Boston Blake

Dr. Eldridge Spearmint

Jeff Hull

Creator

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Synopsis

Many San Franciscans take part in an elaborate alternate-reality game created by Jeff Hull, but as more players become involved, the game begins to spin out of control.

Director: Spencer McCall
Producer: Spencer McCall
Screenwriter: Jeff Hull
Distributor: Argot Pictures
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 4, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 2, 2015
Runtime: 1h 32m

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