MGM Plus brings Stephan King’s 'The Institute' to life

MGM Plus has added a new thriller The Institute which is an eight-part adaptation of Stephan King’s 2019 acclaimed sci-fi horror novel.

The chilling series stars Joe Freeman as a lead actor, the son of actors Martin Freeman and Amanda Abbington, playing the role of 14-year-old Luke Ellis with the gift of telekinesis.

The other notable cast includes Shadow and Bone actor Ben Barnes as police officer Tim Jamieson, Weed star Mary-Loiuse Parker, Hannah Galway, Simon Miller, and Jason Diaz.

The story is based on a secret and mysterious facility, conducting terrifying experiments on children. Luke Ellis, the protagonist, finds himself trapped within the facility after being abducted from his bedroom in Minneapolis and taken to The Institute.

The TV show further sheds light on supernatural themes, sinister secrets, and the kids’ survival against the dark forces.

Executive produced by Stephan King, the series strikes a balance between psychological thriller and light horror, taking supernatural elements and presenting in an engaging way.

The Institute was released on MGM+ on Sunday, July 13, with the first two episodes available for streaming.

However, the rest of the episodes will land on a weekly basis.

Is The Institute similar to Stranger Things?

Ben Barnes while speaking with Radio Times admitted that The Institute series does feel like Stranger Things in some ways, saying it has "a similar kind of gripping tension to it.” 

Related: 'The Long Walk' by Stephen King gets chilling 1st trailer: watch