Hypnotic is a movie that gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘Medical Malpractice’. The assumptions, prospects, and possibilities raised by the events in this movie are scary. Is it really possible that psychiatrists, therapists, and medical practitioners versed in areas of the human mind can control their patients through hypnosis and have them commit crimes? Mind-boggling! That a practitioner of medicine sworn to heal and cure would take such advantage of the hurting is a sad reminder of the lows humanity has sunk to. Especially despicable is the fact that the victims are patients with mental health, emotional, psychological, and related challenges desperately trying to heal. It’s invasive opportunism at its worst.
My late father used to say that in every work of fiction, there is an element of truth. This makes this movie scary in its implications and wider ramifications.
In Every Work Of Fiction, There Is An Element Of Truth
About this movie
Hypnotic is a 2021 thriller written by Richard D’Ovidio; produced by Micheal J. Luisi and directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote. The cast includes Kate Siegel, Jason O’Mara, Lucie Guest, Jamie M. Callica, Dule Hill, Tanja Dixon-Warren, and Luc Roderique among others
Synopsis
Jennifer is a grief-stricken woman haunted by the death of her stillborn baby spiraling out of control and drowning in alcohol. After breaking up with her fiancee, she has difficulties finding a job, being happy, or finding meaning in anything. Her best friend Gina introduces her to her therapist at their housewarming and encourages her to see him. Dr. Meade suggests and treats her with hypnotherapy. Things take a strange turn when she has vivid dreams and blacks out unable to account for blocks of time. She is suspicious and begins digging for information. After almost killing her fiancee, she admits her suspicions to Gina and they go to the police where more damning revelations come to light.
When Gina and her husband die suddenly in a mysterious car accident and the lead detective is almost murdered by one of the therapist’s patients, Jennifer must do everything and call on every resource she can muster to ensure he doesn’t hurt anyone else.
Social Relevance
This movie touches on several social topics including Friendship; Pain and Guilt; Love and Relationship; Crime and Murder; Invasive Medical Procedures; Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Hypnosis; Phobias; Mental, Emotional and Psychological illness among others.
Conclusion and takeaways
A major lesson from this movie is that it pays to be cautious and it pays to ask questions. Normally, you should trust your doctors, therapists, and health care providers but it also pays to be curious, to ask the right questions, and to do your research.
I am still creeped out thinking about mind control, hypnosis, and hypnotherapy based on what transpired in this movie. That someone’s mind can be paralyzed and trapped by another and then used to commit any crime or do anything, not of their own volition is scary beyond words.
This movie highlights the crass opportunism and devious wickedness shown by certain health care and other professionals. That one entrusted with the care of others would be involved in stripping people of their most sacred and valued space — their mind, willpower, and self-control is both staggering and mind-numbing.
Have you watched Hypnotic? What are your thoughts?
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