A new Stephen King adaptation has made a noteworthy change to its source material, addressing one of the most significant criticisms that the original book faced. While alterations to source material can often feel forced or unnecessary, this creative decision in the adaptation elevates the narrative significantly compared to the original Stephen King novel, enhancing the overall viewing experience for audiences.
Many adaptations of Stephen King works tend to stray from the core story elements, often sacrificing essential components that made the original narrative captivating. A prime example of this is the adaptation of Under the Dome, which veered dramatically away from the original book’s storyline during its second season, leading to disappointment among fans.
Fortunately, the latest adaptation of Stephen King‘s work remains true to the source material’s narrative and strives to capture its essence faithfully on the small screen. Even when the adaptation makes changes to plot elements, it does so thoughtfully, rectifying one of the most glaring shortcomings that previously hindered the story’s impact.
Understanding the Criticism of Timeline Inconsistencies in Stephen King’s The Institute
Examining the Outdated Depiction of Teenagers in the Book
Upon its release in 2019, The Institute was recognized for its gripping narrative that utilized familiar tropes to explore themes of captivity, resistance, and the quest for freedom. However, many readers noted that the portrayal of the teenage characters and the timeline in which they existed felt inconsistent and out of touch with contemporary society.
Related
The Institute Review: This Enthralling Stephen King Adaptation Is Way More Than An X-Men & Stranger Things Clone
MGM+’s adaptation of The Institute translates the tension and mystery of Stephen King’s novel nicely, albeit with a few mixed moderations.
The narrative suggests that it is set in a contemporary world, filled with references to modern pop culture phenomena such as Game of Thrones. However, the language used by the teenage characters and their behavior seem to reflect a time more akin to the early 2000s or even the late 1990s, which feels out of place in the context of the modern world.
…The tonal mismatch between its modern-day setting and dated characterization creates a dissonance one cannot ignore.
From a thematic perspective, The Institute resonates with its exploration of humanity’s innate desire for autonomy and the struggle against oppressive systems. Nevertheless, the tonal mismatch between its modern-day backdrop and the outdated characterization creates a dissonance that is difficult to overlook, impacting the overall narrative cohesion.
MGM+’s The Institute Adaptation: A More Consistent Approach to Timeline Clarity
The Show Deliberately Maintains a Retro Timeline
MGM+’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Institute does not explicitly define its timeline. Instead of following the same narrative path as the book, it incorporates enough retro elements to suggest that the story unfolds in the past. This is evident as characters utilize landline telephones and various forms of analog technology, effectively creating a distinct separation from the book’s contemporary timeline.
The adaptation also refrains from referencing modern television shows, opting instead to include nods to classic films such as Fight Club. Additionally, the candy bars consumed by the young actors in the Stephen King adaptation feature vintage packaging, further reinforcing the retro aesthetic. While it may be up for debate whether MGM+’s adaptation of The Institute surpasses the original book, it undeniably excels at crafting a more cohesive world that resonates with audiences.
