“Hypnotic” is a mind-bending but derivative mystery/thriller that doesn't live up to its lofty ambitions, particularly when it comes to visual effects. (An introduction from Robert Rodriguez played just before this advanced screening pleading with the audience not to spoil any of the film's twists. With that in mind, this review will be devoid of significant spoilers. However, I'm potentially spoiling some of the first-act reveals by providing a brief plot synopsis.)

Danny Rourke (Ben Affleck) is a detective investigating a string of elaborate bank heists seemingly pulled off by total strangers. The key to the execution of these robberies involves a hypnotic--a person with the ability to control and influence the minds of others. With a few spoken words, the hypnotic can direct a subject to crash a car into a busy intersection, jump off a building, and even (say) hold up a bank. When Danny discovers these heists may connect to his missing daughter, who disappeared several years prior, he teams up with a hypnotic (Alice Braga) to track down the mastermind behind these heists. 

More than simply influencing a subject, the hypnotic can make that person see things that aren't there, perhaps even things that aren't physically possible. These hypnotic abilities are what give the film its mind-bending nature. It is also what makes this film feel so derivative. Many elements and imagery are pulled directly from films like “Inception,” “Tenet,” and “The Matrix.” Christopher Nolan's films, in particular, feel like a significant influence on “Hypnotic,” though Rodriguez insists he has had the idea in the works for decades. Even the casting of William Fichtner, featured in the bank heist scene in Nolan's “The Dark Knight,” feels like an attempt to conjure the spirit of those films.  

Unfortunately, when you evoke imagery of such films, you're inviting a comparison, and in that regard, “Hypnotic” pales. The visual effects look downright bad. The sets and locations look drab and bland with no sense of visual flair. With a reported budget of $65m, I cannot figure out where Rodriguez spent that money.

Affleck, Braga, and Fichtner do their best to elevate this twisty and convoluted story. Their performances are fairly engrossing and kept me invested for the entire runtime. Considering the fuss Rodriguez made about the surprise twists, none were exceptionally mind-blowing or even satisfying.  So while “Hypnotic” is passably entertaining to watch, I have to stop short of recommending it. It does not come close to the quality of the films it's emulating, and you're better off watching or rewatching any of those films. 

— 2.5 / 5 ⭐