Instinct (2022): Cast & Ratings
Instinct is a 2022 drama thriller directed by Halina Reijn, starring Carice van Houten as Nicoline, Marwan Kenzari and Ariane Schluter. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Halina Reijn
- Original language
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Dutch - Studio
- A24
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Instinct About?
The premise of Instinct without spoilers.
After years spent living in the African jungle, anthropologist Ethan Powell returns to civilization, deeply affected by the violent deaths of several poachers. A psychiatrist tries to understand the troubled man and the circumstances that led to his isolation, as the distinction between man and beast becomes increasingly unclear. Powell’s experiences have left him with a unique perspective, suggesting a profound connection to primal instincts and challenging conventional notions of sanity.
Instinct Cast & Characters
Carice van Houten leads the cast as Nicoline, with Marwan Kenzari as Idris and Ariane Schluter as Directrice. Directed by Halina Reijn; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Halina Reijn
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Carice van Houten as Nicoline -
Marwan Kenzari as Idris -
Ariane Schluter as Directrice -
Robert de Hoog as Jos
Also Starring in Instinct
· 6 more- Tamar van den Dop Milly
- Pieter Embrechts Alex
- Betty Schuurman Mother Nicoline
- Marie-Mae van Zuilen Marieke
- Kuno Bakker John
- Abdelkarim El Baz Tarik
More from Halina Reijn
More films directed by Halina Reijn, best-rated first: Bodies Bodies Bodies, Babygirl and Instinct.
Instinct Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Instinct 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).
Instinct Echo Score Breakdown
Instinct presents a powerful lead performance that anchors the film, yet its overall execution is uneven. Critics commend the nuanced acting and the film’s daring thematic stance, while many note inconsistent direction and pacing that undermine narrative cohesion. Viewers who appreciate psychological intensity may find value, but the combination of stylistic missteps and a lack of clear resolution limits broader appeal. Consequently, the movie offers a compelling but fragmented experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 58
Artistic execution in Instinct is inconsistent. The direction attempts a restrained visual language, with a few striking moments such as a beautifully composed beach sequence, yet several scenes feel unsettled and the overall pacing appears uneven. Critics point to frayed edges and a lack of purposeful stylistic cohesion, resulting in a mixed appraisal of the film’s craft.
- Character & Emotion 88
Performances are the film’s strongest asset. Both leads deliver nuanced, emotionally resonant portrayals that convey psychological complexity, earning consistent praise for their depth and chemistry. Critics highlight the lead’s stunning work as among the year’s best, and audience reactions note the compelling character dynamics despite the film’s broader flaws.
- Story & Flow 50
The narrative tackles a provocative psychological premise but struggles with cohesion. While the plot is ambitious and daring, several reviewers describe it as derivative of earlier thrillers and note pacing issues that blur tension. The story’s blunt presentation of uncomfortable realities fails to sustain engagement, leading to a lukewarm overall impact.
- Sensory Experience 70
The film’s visual style is noted for moments of elegance, particularly a hypnotic beach tableau, lending an atmospheric quality. However, sound design receives little attention and the overall sensory cohesion is uneven, leaving viewers with a mixed impression of its aesthetic execution.
- Rewatch Factor 45
Instinct’s thematic boldness may intrigue viewers seeking challenging material, yet its uneven pacing and unresolved narrative diminish replay value. Critics acknowledge its impact but note limited desire to revisit, and audience comments suggest the film is more a singular, intense experience than a repeatedly enjoyable work.
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Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 56%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 80% User score
See on TMDB
Instinct Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Instinct.
Cars in Instinct
7 cars on screen, including the 2021 Fiat Tipo Cross and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC X253.
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2021 Fiat Tipo Cross Main role -
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 Minor role -
2017 Porsche Panamera 4 971 Minor role -
2021 Renault Kangoo Van Minor role
Seen Instinct?
Instinct FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Instinct, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Instinct?
Instinct runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was Instinct released?
Instinct was released on September 22, 2022.
Who directed Instinct?
Instinct was directed by Halina Reijn.
More films by Halina Reijn Who is in the cast of Instinct?
Instinct stars Carice van Houten as Nicoline, Marwan Kenzari as Idris and Ariane Schluter as Directrice, among 10 credited actors.
How is Instinct rated?
Instinct has 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 80% on TMDB.
Does Instinct have a post-credit scene?
No. Instinct has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Instinct in?
The original language of Instinct is Dutch.
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