Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life (1995)

In the enigmatic labyrinth of life, Jakob finds himself at the doors of Institute Benjamenta, an unconventional school run by the brother-sister duo, Johannes and Lisa Benjamenta. The institute's curriculum, designed to mold servants, is a strange kaleidoscope of absurd lessons - from the art of servility to the choreography of circular movements. Jakob, along with seven others, surrenders to Lisa's strict, yet captivating tutelage. Amidst the surreal and dreamlike world of the institute, an air of tension hangs heavily. Johannes, the aloof and imperious brother, shies away from the school's operation, while the beautiful Lisa teeters on the edge of control, her facade beginning to crumble as winter advances. An unsettling suggestion of incest lurks in the shadows. Jakob, ensnared by Lisa's allure, feels a magnetic pull towards her. Is the attraction mutual, or merely a figment of Jakob's imagination? As the institute descends into chaos, Lisa falls into a catatonic state, her spirit frozen like the winter outside. The once thriving world of the institute seems to be disintegrating, with no new admissions and no students leaving for employment. Johannes perceives an ominous connection between Jakob's arrival and the disarray. Is it mere coincidence or does Jakob's presence hold a profound impact on the people and the institute itself? As the threads of reality and dreams intertwine, "Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life" is a fantastical exploration of the human psyche, the power dynamics of servility, and the mesmerizing allure of the unknown.

Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life is a drama movie featuring Alice Krige.

Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life on Amazon Video.