Stephen King's 'The Institute' TV series pits gifted kids against sinister adults

"The Institute," a novel by Stephen King from 2019, has been adapted into a miniseries with additional content. Premiering on MGM+ on Sunday, the series follows a common theme where young individuals with extraordinary powers are gathered in an academy setting. The story revolves around 14-year-old Luke Ellis, portrayed by Joe Freeman, who possesses telekinetic abilities. Luke is taken to the Institute after being kidnapped from his home.

At the Institute, Luke and other children with special abilities are categorized as telekinetic (TK), telepathic (TP), or precognitive (PC). The facility is run by Ms. Sigsby, played by Mary-Louise Parker, who manipulates the children for unknown purposes. Luke encounters various staff members, including security head Stackhouse, orderly Tony, and Dr. Hendricks, who subject him to unsettling experiments. Housekeeper Maureen is portrayed as a kind figure amidst the manipulation.

Meanwhile, former policeman Tim Jamieson, portrayed by Ben Barnes, arrives in the town near the Institute and takes up a job as a nightknocker. He meets Officer Wendy Gullickson and forms a connection with a street person named Annie, who reveals crucial information about the Institute. As Tim investigates further, he uncovers dark secrets about the facility and its operations.

Luke befriends fellow inmates Kalisha, Iris, Nick, and Avery at the Institute. The children are moved from the Front Hall to the Back Hall as part of a graduation process, which is marked by a ceremony. The series explores the mysterious activities within the Institute and the sinister motives behind its operations.

Written by Benjamin Cavell and directed by Jack Bender, the series offers action and special effects but lacks coherence in its storytelling. Despite its flaws, "The Institute" can be interpreted as a young adult novel depicting themes of resistance and sacrifice of the youth by the older generation.