‘His wish is her command’
Hypnotic is a 2021 horror thriller about a young woman seeking self-improvement who enlists the help of a renowned hypnotist. However, after a handful of intense sessions, she soon discovers unexpected and deadly consequences…
Directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote (The Open House) from a screenplay by Richard D’Ovidio. Produced by Jonathan DuBois (line producer) and Michael J. Luisi.
The American The Long Game production stars Kate Siegel (Gerald’s Game; Ouija: Origin of Evil; Hush; Haunting at Foster Cabin aka Demon Legacy; Oculus), Jason O’Mara (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War; Batman: Hush), Dulé Hill (Night of the Animated Dead), Lucie Guest, Jaime M. Callica and Tanja Dixon-Warren.
Plot:
Feeling stuck both personally and professionally, Jenn (Kate Siegel), a young woman reeling from a series of traumatic events, enlists a renowned hypnotherapist, Doctor Meade (Jason O’Mara), to help on her road to recovery.
After a handful of intense sessions, terrifying events, and mysterious blackouts, Jenn soon finds herself caught in a dangerous mind game. With the help of Detective Wade Rollins (Dulé Hill), Jen looks to put the pieces together before it’s too late and there are deadly consequences…
Reviews:
“Despite its brisk pace, Hypnotic makes for a sleepy lull rather than an adrenaline-pumping thriller. The concept of a woman losing control over her mind as an insidious predator takes up residence sounds fascinating, but Hypnotic never bothers to explore in any engaging way. The narrative plays it too safe and straightforward, making for a serviceable but generic effort.” Bloody Disgusting
“One good thing about this setup and good things are in short supply with Hypnotic, is that Jenn realizes what this doctor is doing before the 30-minute mark, so the plot doesn’t drag out the time taken for her to catch on to what the audience already knows from the get-go. It would be hard for anyone not to figure out Dr Meade might be up to villainous deeds anyway…” Culture Crypt
“This is the kind of made-for-cable-level movie where a pedestrian script (by Richard D’Ovidio) with the usual horror cliches is elevated by strong acting, no-nonsense direction and a couple of neat twists. And D’Ovidio delivers one great concept that automatically generates tension: If Dr Meade kills through hypnotic suggestion, and Jenn has been under hypnosis several times, then she is a ticking time bomb who might be triggered at any time.” Datebook
“Hypnotic is obviously a low budget for cable television kind of movie shot using a pedestrian script packed with the usual cliches associated with psychological horror films. Fortunately, the outstanding performance from the cast members and the excellent direction coupled with a few neat twists breathes some life into this script which could have terribly gone south.” Fiction Horizon
” …there’s zero, nay negative, fun to be had here, a potentially interesting, if not exactly original, sub-Manchurian Candidate idea […] taken nowhere of interest. The first draft script relies on too many instances of supposedly smart people acting like certified morons to advance the plot, an eye-rolling set of bad decisions that would seem absurd in an 80s slasher let alone a film that appears to be taking itself more seriously.” The Guardian
“The tone, beats, and premise of Hypnotic feel very out-of-time and, subsequently, very inconsequential. It dilutes what could have been a rather diabolical and memorable story and delivers a disposable ride that ends with a stilted and safe re-entry. It’s slightly jarring to watch Kate Siegel inhabit a role that feels underwritten, but to her credit, she manages to pull as much tension and emotion out of the tale as possible.” IGN
“The one thing that could have changed the game for this morality tale of horror is if our protagonist had been more exciting or engaging. Unfortunately, Richard D’Ovidio’s script relegates the character to the sidelines for much of the film’s running time, leaving us with nothing but an increasingly tiresome cat-and-mouse game.” Leisure Byte
“Hypnotic is going to be something that fans of the genre truly appreciate. It is chilling and intense — with fantastic lead performances. There are heart-pounding and intense moments that will have you wondering what is and isn’t real. While some parts are predictable, it is still a ton of fun to watch.” Mama’s Geeky
“While the […] cat-and-mouse dynamic is predictable, particularly if you’ve ever watched a Lifetime movie, Hypnotic takes its cartoonishness to admirable heights. Not only is Dr Meade an unethical therapist, he is basically a supervillain, his nefarious practices blurring the line between hypnosis and outright mind control. Drop a lovable lead into that mix, and — as long as you don’t take anything too seriously — you’ve got a nice little popcorn flick.” The New York Times
“Hypnotic is an excellent tension movie designed to basically freak you out. The idea that another person can control you through hypnosis is everybody’s worst nightmare […] will have you glued to the screen as the story ramps up, the tension builds and time starts to run out.” Next Flicks
” …it duly delivers. Hypnotic is not designed to be comprehensive storytelling of a bewildered character dismantled by her therapist, but instead, an easy, laidback thriller film with a side of popcorn. The film makes you think somewhat, and despite the predictability, it’s hella fun to jigsaw the twists together.” Ready Steady Cut
Release date:
Hypnotic is available to stream via Netflix from October 27, 2021.
Cast and characters:
Kate Siegel … Jenn
Jason O’Mara … Doctor Collin Meade
Dulé Hill … Rollins
Lucie Guest … Gina
Jaime M. Callica … Brian
Tanja Dixon-Warren … Doctor Stella Graham
Darien Martin … Squad Leader
Luc Roderique … Scott
Filming locations:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Technical details:
Running time: 88 minutes
Audio: Dolby Digital
Plot keywords:
blackout | control | doctor | hypnotherapist | hypnotism | hypnotist | intense | mind game | patient | self-improvement | sessions | young woman
Trailer:
Clip:
Subject: Everything you need to know about Hypnotic, Netflix’s latest horror-thriller, with reviews, trailer and clip
MOVIES & MANIA says:
The plot for Hypnotic is like one of the many Lifetime channel thrillers about manipulated female characters, however, Kate Siegel and Jason O’Mara’s performances elevate the somewhat generic subject matter and the tension rises noticeably towards the finale. Hardly memorable yet worth watching if you don’t have high expectations.
