The film is set in the 1970s and follows Dr. Henry West, a parapsychologist who establishes The Atticus Institute to study individuals with supernatural abilities. The institute gains attention when a woman named Judith Winstead exhibits telekinetic and telepathic powers beyond anything previously documented.
As the experiments progress, Judith’s abilities become increasingly dangerous, and the institute experiences disturbing phenomena. Dr. West and his team believe they have made contact with a malevolent entity, and the situation spirals out of control.
In the climax, the institute’s experiments lead to catastrophic consequences, and the documentary crew interviewing the involved parties reveals the disturbing events that unfolded at The Atticus Institute. The conclusion raises questions about the nature of the paranormal events and the potential dangers of meddling with supernatural forces.
“The Atticus Institute” is known for its psychological horror elements and its approach to the found footage genre within the context of a faux documentary. The film explores themes of the unknown, the dangers of scientific curiosity, and the thin line between scientific investigation and the supernatural.