Hypnotic – Film Review

With a determined search for a missing daughter at its core, Hypnotic, directed by Robert Rodriguez, promises an intriguing journey into a world of reality-bending crimes. Unfortunately, this film falls short of its potential, leaving viewers with a mixed bag of emotions. Ben Affleck delivers a solid lead performance as Detective Danny Rourke, and the action sequences are undeniably impressive. However, the film’s convoluted nature and its apparent attempt to emulate the style of Christopher Nolan‘s Tenet ultimately hinder its success. Furthermore, Hypnotic suffers from a slow pace and a lack of interesting characters that populate its script.

Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Detective Danny Rourke is undoubtedly one of the film’s highlights. Affleck brings a sense of authenticity to the character, capturing the detective’s determination and emotional turmoil effectively. Rourke’s desperation to find his missing daughter is palpable, and Affleck’s performance adds depth and nuance to the role.

The action scenes in Hypnotic are visually stunning and expertly choreographed. From high-speed car chases to intense hand-to-hand combat, the film does not disappoint in terms of its adrenaline-pumping moments. Robert Rodriguez’s directorial prowess shines through in these sequences, capturing the intensity and urgency of the situations with precision. The film’s production value is evident, as every frame is meticulously crafted to create a visually immersive experience.

However, where Hypnotic falters is in its attempt to weave a complex and mind-bending narrative. The film often feels convoluted and unnecessarily confusing, leaving viewers struggling to piece together the various plot threads. While the ambition to create a thought-provoking storyline is commendable, the execution falls short, resulting in a narrative that feels forced and contrived. Instead of being a captivating puzzle, the film’s plot becomes an arduous maze that frustrates rather than engages.

Another major issue with Hypnotic is its slow pace, which hampers the overall viewing experience. The film’s deliberate pacing tries to build tension and suspense, but it often drags on for longer than necessary. Scenes that should be pivotal and gripping end up feeling lethargic, failing to maintain the audience’s attention. The lack of momentum ultimately detracts from the film’s potential impact, making it difficult to fully invest in the story and its characters.

Speaking of characters, Hypnotic suffers from a lack of interesting and well-developed individuals. Aside from the dynamic between Danny Rourke and Diana Cruz, the supporting cast fails to leave a lasting impression. Characters that initially show promise quickly fade into the background, leaving viewers without anyone to truly root for or connect with emotionally. This lack of compelling characters diminishes the overall impact of the narrative, as the story becomes solely reliant on its central protagonist.

Hypnotic falls short of its ambitious goals. While Ben Affleck delivers a solid lead performance and the action sequences impress, the film’s attempt to emulate the mind-bending style of Christopher Nolan feels forced and convoluted. The slow pace and lack of interesting characters further hinder the viewing experience, leaving viewers longing for a more engaging and cohesive narrative. While Hypnotic has its moments, it ultimately fails to fully captivate and fulfill its potential, resulting in a disappointing film that struggles to find its footing.