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Nicoline, an experienced prison psychiatrist, starts a new job in a penal institution. Here, she is tempted into a dangerous relationship with a manipulative serial rapist.
'I have rarely played so freely', Carice van Houten says about her role as Nicoline, a psychiatrist in a penal institution. Trapped in a confusing relationship with her mother and her fascination with a sex offender, her desires push her in a dangerous direction. The charming psychopath is about to go on his first unaccompanied probation, but Nicoline is sceptical. In this psychological thriller, the trial of strength gives her more pleasure than she dares to admit. Directing debut of Halina Reijn, based on her idea, is the opening film of the festival.

Title: Instinct
Year: 2019
Duration : 1 hour, 48 minutes
Category: Feature film
Edition: NFF 2020

ThrillerGender & IdentityRomantiekGouden FilmMisdaadDramaMaatschappij

Gouden Kalf nominees

Beste Acteur (2020)
Marwan Kenzari
Beste Scenario (2020)
Halina Reijn
Beste Scenario (2020)
Esther Gerritsen
Beste Actrice (2020)
Carice van Houten

NFF Archive

You are now in the NFF Archive. The archive contains contains information on film, TV and interactive productions that were screened at past festival editions. The NFF does not dispose of this material. For this, please contact the producer, distributor or broadcaster. Sometimes, older films can also be found at the Eye Film Museum or the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.