Instinct

1999

Instinct

Critics Consensus

A convoluted and predictable plot overshadows the performances.

27%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 66

67%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 31,110

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Movie Info

Within the brilliant mind of primatologist Ethan Powell lies an ominous secret -- a deep-seated mystery unsolved by his estranged family and the law enforcement officials who have jailed him for murders that occurred in the jungles of Rwanda. Highly educated and sophisticated, Powell was affected by years of studying mountain gorillas to the point where he was living among them in the wild, as one of their own. Now, held captive in a brutal prison for the criminally insane, Powell, who has not spoken in years, is remanded to psychiatrist Theo Caulder, who must try to unlock the dark mystery in the mind of what appears to be a madman. He encounters a series of perplexing mysteries, questions with chilling answers, and shocking psychological truths. Eventually both men are led on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

Cast

Anthony Hopkins
as Ethan Powell
Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Dr. Theo Caulder
Donald Sutherland
as Dr. Ben Hillard
Maura Tierney
as Lynn Powell
George Dzundza
as Dr. John Murray
John Ashton
as Guard Decks
John Aylward
as Warden Keefer
Thomas Q Morris
as Pete
Doug Spinuzza
as Nicko
Paul Bates
as Bluto
Rex Linn
as Guard Alan
Rod McLachlan
as Anderson
Kurt Smildsin
as Guard No. 2
Jim R. Coleman
as Guard No. 3
Tracey Ellis
as Annie
Kim Ingram
as Lester
Paul Collins
as Tom
Marc Macaulay
as Foley
Jim Grimshaw
as Boaz
Gary Bristow
as Federal Marshal
Rus Blackwell
as Government Aide
Bruce Borgan
as Government Aide
Louanne Stephens
as Marjorie Powell
Ajgie Kirkland
as Captain Kagona
Chike Kani Omo
as David
Christopher John Harris
as William
Ivonne Coll
as Dr. Marquez
Pat McNamara
as Dr. Josephson
Vivienne Sendaydiego
as Catherine
Roger Floyd
as Gilbert
Dave Deever
as Man in Car
Tim Goodwin
as Helmet Man
Alex City
as Prisoner
Jimmy Dipisa
as Prisoner
Manwell Hendrix
as Prisoner
Kevin McNally
as Prisoner
Kevin Moore
as Prisoner
Joe Tacke
as Prisoner
Bertram Wallace
as Prisoner
John Travis
as Bartender Mike
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Critic Reviews for Instinct

All Critics (66) | Top Critics (15)

View All Critic Reviews (66)

Audience Reviews for Instinct

  • Jun 15, 2014
    A scientist (Hopkins) goes completely native in Africa and needs some psych work before he can safely re-enter good ole society. Enter uber-mind probe types Gooding Jr. and Sutherland for some of that luscious brain squeezin' we all love so much. But wait just one goldurn minnit, is it the scientist who's bonkers ... or is it us? Maura Tierney adds a warm touch to this predictable yet entertaining mangle that still succeeds (with a wink) because of the caliber of guns present.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jan 18, 2011
    Some of the philosophy is nice, and Cuba Gooding Jr isn't totally useless in this movie, but the film is still pat and won't appeal to a wide audience.
    Dillon L Super Reviewer
  • Dec 01, 2009
    Decent acting, but hackneyed, overly-didactic, sucky story. If you're considering watching this, do yourself the favor of watching the similarly themed but infinitely better <a href="http://www.flixster.com/movie/gorillasinthemistthestoryofdianfossey">Gorillas in the Mist</a> in its stead.
    Ed K Super Reviewer
  • Nov 14, 2009
    Decent prison movie with Anthony Hopkins defending the apes and his fellow prisoners in the jail. Cuba is good too.
    Lafe F Super Reviewer
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