The film revolves around Dr. Ethan Powell (played by Anthony Hopkins), a renowned anthropologist who has spent years living among gorillas in the African jungle. After mysteriously disappearing for two years, Powell resurfaces in Rwanda, where he brutally murders several park rangers.
Following his arrest, Powell is deemed mentally unfit to stand trial and is placed in a maximum-security psychiatric facility. Theo Caulder (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.), a talented young psychiatrist, is assigned to evaluate Powell and determine his mental state.
As Caulder conducts his interviews with Powell, he becomes increasingly fascinated by the enigmatic anthropologist. Powell’s behavior and beliefs challenge Caulder’s own perceptions of humanity, morality, and the natural world.
Through a series of flashbacks, Powell recounts his time living among the gorillas and the profound insights he gained from his experiences. He espouses a philosophy of primal instinct and animalistic behavior, which he believes humans have lost touch with in modern society.
As Caulder delves deeper into Powell’s psyche, he uncovers dark secrets from Powell’s past, including his involvement in a tragic incident that led to the death of his research assistant. Caulder also learns about Powell’s strained relationship with his estranged daughter, who blames him for abandoning their family to pursue his work.
Despite Caulder’s efforts to understand Powell, tensions escalate between them, culminating in a violent confrontation. In a pivotal moment, Caulder must confront his own inner demons and choose whether to trust Powell’s instincts or adhere to conventional psychiatric principles.
In the film’s climax, Caulder risks his own safety to protect Powell from the facility’s aggressive security guards, ultimately proving his belief in Powell’s humanity. As Caulder helps Powell escape from the facility, they embark on a perilous journey into the jungle, where they confront the true nature of their own instincts and the boundaries of civilization.
The film concludes with a powerful revelation about the interconnectedness of all living beings and the enduring impact of Powell’s teachings on Caulder’s worldview.
“Instinct” explores themes of identity, redemption, and the primal forces that drive human behavior. It challenges viewers to question their own beliefs about civilization and the inherent instincts that shape human nature.