Homing Instinct

'Homing Instinct' evokes a world of shifting layers, juxtaposing neorealism with the vast metaphysical sweep of nature. The audience is invited into a poetic and powerful aesthetic experience to imagine an interconnectedness as a species of nature in our changing world. The story is set in the near future in a desperate moment of rising sea level. Two friends face a federal executive order to evacuate New York City and relocate within 30 days. The metaphorical question arises, "Are you a fish or a bird?" Raven, a psychologist studying the roots of extremism, and Paloma, a marine biologist at the Coney Island Aquarium, encounter a time traveler in different ways. Existential questions around government authority and the individual are explored using the language of dance to reimagine our relationship with nature.

Directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher, Homing Instinct leans on a strong ensemble — Barrett Doss, Kineta Kunutu, Tara Violet Niami — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about science fiction titles of 2023.