The Institute could have been so much more If only the story had more clarity. The elements were all there to make this a gripping, and memorable tale.
There are also some alluring references to Poe, with the pendulum and the pit in this gothic horror set in the Victorian era
Loosely based on true events this story gives more attention to the real institute for the feeble-minded, which in itself is interesting, and can immediately make you want to learn more about its history.
Unfortunately, the plot is very patchy. It can be a little confusing to follow, and I can't help but feel it could have focused more heavily on the human side of compassion, deceit, and blackmail, which would take you on more of an emotional journey.
We are presented with a potent theme that has relevance today. As the film is set in a time when the men used their power to control women, who had not yet captured their independence.
I strongly believe James Francou was the wrong choice for the part of Dr. Cairn. In some scenes, he was reasonable enough, but in others felt overacted, he sounded gruff but lacked influence. I think this particular role should have been performed by someone with a little more authority. Take Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, or even Ian Mckellen for example.
Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of flow to the story. I didn't fully understand the concept of mind control or the different role-playing scenarios with the patients. Unless it was an experiment to damage their already frail minds, and then auction them off as slaves under a new identity?
The cult aspect involving the upper elite was fantastic, however, and I would have loved it to go into more depth. I think they could have made a stronger focal point of the women being sold into slavery, along with the drug abuse, and how the hospital staff was obtaining, and administering the poison to subdue their subjects.
The Institute has many solid ideas. Unfortunately, it just can't put them together for a highly diverse movie. I've already given my thoughts that the casting was a little off, and the story needed to divulge, and flesh out some deeper character emotions.
Sometimes basic explanations and simple storytelling can be the most powerful to engage with your audience. Alas, the Institute delivered an incomplete plot, devoid of human compassion, scrambled with weird ritualistic sacrifices, which just added deeply to pandemonium.
5/10.
