A Review of Netflix's 'Hypnotic'
If you're looking for a quick thrill to end #SpookySeason off right, check out Netflix's newly released Hypnotic.
After experiencing the stillbirth of her son Daniel, with fiancé Brian Rawley, played by Jaime M. Callica (Ruthless, 2020), Jennifer Thompson, played by Kate Siegel (Hush, 2016) agrees to hypnotherapy sessions led by Dr. Collin Meade, played by The Man in the High Castle's (2018) Jason O'Mara. But just when Jennifer thinks she has a handle on life again, her therapist has other plans.
Released Wednesday, October 27, Hypnotic does a really good job of keeping viewers glued to the screen, wondering what will happen next.
Despite receiving a 5.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb, with many voters noting that the plot was fantastic but not executed as good as it could have been, it cannot be denied that Richard D'Ovidio, the film's writer, delved into A LOT in just one and a half hours - providing multiple, connected backstories; a plot twist (or two); and simplifying technical explanations, all without confusing (or losing) the audience.
In fact, viewers witness one of Dr. Meade's schemes within the first two minutes.
Not long after, we meet Dr. Meade, himself, at a party hosted by Gina Kelman, Jennifer's best friend, played by Sleepwalking in Suburbia's (2017) Lucie Guest, and Scott, Gina's husband, played by Luc Roderique (Siren, 2019). Gina, a patient of Dr. Meade's, insists that Jennifer schedule at least one session with him to help with the trauma of losing Daniel.
What seems to be smooth sailing for Jennifer a few sessions later, quickly becomes a living nightmare that she cannot seem to get out of.
Along with D'Ovidio, directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, and John S. Bartley, the director of photography, do a fantastic job of setting a tone of disorientation and delusion, with neither Jennifer nor viewers being able to distinguish between reality and hypnosis, adding to the overall thrill.
O'Mara brings a level of sophistication, sexiness and invincibility to Dr. Meade, while Siegel, who is a bit unlikeable as Jennifer, at first, eventually redeems the character.
An unexpected, yet fitting, performance is delivered by Psych's (2006) Dulé Hill. Although difficult to think of Hill in a non-comedic role, all "PsychOs" (fans of Psych) will appreciate "Gus'" addition to the film.
Other strong performances include Stephanie Cudmore (Kill Switch, 2008); Darien Martin (Salvation, 2018); Tanja Dixon-Warren (iZombie, 2015); Devyn Dalton (Beyblade Burst, 2017); Jessie Fraser (Frozen in Love, 2018) and Madeleine Kelders (Wendy Williams: The Movie, 2021).
Whether you think hypnosis/hypnotherapy is real or not, one thing that is real is that Hypnotic captures viewers' attention from start until the very end, showing just how far a man will go to get exactly what he wants.
Released: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 on Netflix
Written by: Richard D'Ovidio
Directed by: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote
