The Instinct (film)

The Instinct is a 2024 Spanish psychological thriller film written and directed by Juan Albarracín in his directorial debut feature. It stars Javier Pereira, Fernando Cayo, and Eva Llorach.

Plot

After Sonia warns agoraphobic architect Abel that his career is imperiled, Abel accepts to receive an alternative treatment by dog trainer Jose.

Production

The Instinct was produced by Twin Freaks Studio, Horizon Media, Pópulos Films, and Trilita Films, and it had the participation of La 7. Shooting locations in the Region of Murcia included Molina de Segura, Bullas, La Hoya La Galera Beach.
The film had a budget of around €398,000 and was partially financed by crowdfunding.

Release

The film was slated to have its world premiere at the 26th in October 2024. It also made it to the slate of the, and the 22nd. Distributed by Barton Films, it is expected to be released theatrically on 16 May 2025.

Reception

Raquel Hernández Luján of HobbyConsolas gave the film 60 points, deeming it to be a "dark and twisted minimalist single-location thriller".
Carmen L. Lobo of La Razón rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, declaring it "an unsettling, very disturbing debut featuring two fully committed actors".