19th Apr2023

‘Hypnotica’ VOD Review

by James Rodrigues

Stars: Tim Torre, Adam Johnson, Taylor Foster, Marisa Echeverria, Alexander Angelikis | Written and Directed by A.T. Sharma

Also known as Unhinged, Hypnotica is the feature debut from writer/director A.T. Sharma. His film begins in curious fashion, as on-screen text reads “Based on actual case studies,” before various scenes depict an unseen man’s journey to committing suicide. These events weigh heavily on junior psychiatrist, Mason (Tim Torre), who worries his sessions are not aiding his patient, Oliver (Adam Johnson). Uncertain of how else he can help, the psychiatrist turns to hypnotism to unlock his patient’s repressed memories, with each passing session uncovering more revelations which send the pair down dark paths.

More than just a plot device for what unfolds, Oliver yearns for help so he can return to his business and spend time with his daughters. His missing memories leave him as an enigma that intrigues Mason, causing the psychiatrist to become obsessed as verbalised in a clumsy voiceover which says more than necessary. It also causes him to verbally lash out at his wife, as his mood swings and jealous temperament feels more sinister in how casually this mundane toxicity is glossed over.

Key to Mason is his scepticism, which defined his career as he sought to oppose his family’s spiritualism, which also delivers a few surprises for the direction his story takes. As his beliefs become shaken by the increasingly unfathomable circumstances, the decent performances from the lead duo ensure the circumstances remain grounded. Despite the pair’s natural chemistry, there are struggles to hold one’s attention as the intrigue comes from where the story may go rather than where it currently is.

While a lean runtime is welcome, the 76-minute length leaves little breathing room and results in elements flying by too quickly. This is especially true when the story takes a third-act turn which feels too sudden and ends with on-screen text affirming a message of people’s need for faith. While there is room for cinema to discuss the positives of faith, the manipulative handling of this pro-religion angle leaves a sour note for the film to end on.

** 2/5

Hypnotica is out now on digital platforms across North America.

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