

Instinct
Nicoline, a criminal psychologist, begins work at a prison where one of her new cases, Idris — an apparently reformed sex offender — is preparing for release after five years of confinement. Despite her professional misgivings, she becomes infatuated with her charismatic, manipulative patient.
Insights
Plot Summary
A respected psychologist at a high-security forensic psychiatric institution finds herself dangerously attracted to a charismatic and manipulative patient. As their sessions intensify, the lines between professional duty and personal obsession blur, leading her down a perilous path. She begins to question her own sanity and the true nature of the man she is trying to rehabilitate.
Critical Reception
Instinct received mixed to positive reviews, with praise often directed at the performances of Carice van Houten and Marwan Kenzari, as well as the film's tense atmosphere. Some critics found the plot predictable or underdeveloped, while others appreciated its exploration of dark psychological themes and the complexities of desire and control.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its strong lead performances and unsettling psychological tension.
- Critiqued for a somewhat conventional plot and occasional lack of depth.
- Appreciated for its exploration of taboo subjects like obsession and manipulation.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a captivating and well-acted psychological thriller, with many highlighting the strong chemistry between the leads and the suspenseful narrative. Some viewers felt the ending could have been more impactful, but overall it was considered a compelling watch.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the 2007 Dutch novel 'De Instinctie' by Karin van der Loo.
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