Hypnotic (2023) Film Review
Hypnotic ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Hypnotics, police, family, secret agencies, manipulation, all layered with twists and turns. What more could you ask for. This film depicts a world where hypnotics exist in secret, people with superhuman powers whom possess the ability to bend peoples will and the very reality they see around them. Trained by a private organisation hell bent on using these supers to influence governments, banks and anyone their wish the police must track down any connections they can find between a stem of bank robberies to the missing daughter of the detective on the case.
At its core Hypnotic followed a man trying to shine light on the truth that surrounded those he loved and the world around them, only at times he didn’t know who he loved, we didn’t know who he loved, and the rest of the cast didn’t know who any loved. This was truly a mind bending spectacle, filled with heart and mystery.
The casting for this film was spot on in an effort to sell every branch of the story, from the background actors to the three main characters. Social media likes to think of Ben Affleck as a grouch, and in some beautiful irony that’s exactly how he is portrayed at the start of this picture. A depressed cop, eager for action to distract him from the abduction of his daughter. However, at times you saw the spark that makes Affleck such an iconic star. His performance possessed grit, humour, originality and true passion. Though this role never really struck gold for Affleck, it has to be praised that he stuck by an original concept with a high possibility of sequels.
Something has to be said about Alice Braga, she stole the show and I can honestly say that I don’t remember ever watching a film in which she starred where she didn’t. She is truly a brilliant actress, and it’s only a matter of time before a studio gives her a lead role in a big budget film.
This films big win was its originality, it is clear where they drew inspiration from but I can honestly say that I don’t think it ripped a single film (that I have seen) off. Its twists and turns didn’t end, and doubled with solid acting this film kept you patched on for its entire duration. At times the special effects could have been done better, but that can arguably be down to the film having a smaller budget for todays era. I am truly torn between arguing if this film needed less effects or if the amount was right for the style of film it was, I just know that because it’s objective was to toy with your brain constantly more practical sets would have done with this wonders.
For a film that played host to plenty of flaws, I can’t help but like it. It was fresh, it was needed. Will there be a sequel? Who knows. But, if there is I will definitely be there and I will definitely be expecting big things.
