LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert Rodriguez is known for making movies that are unconventional and feature a unique type of storytelling. His latest film ‘Hypnotic’ might be his most conventional title since his 1998 movie ‘The Faculty’ and to be honest, it’s not a bad thing. ‘Hypnotic’ stars Ben Affleck as Detective Danny Rourke who is trying to prove that he is fit for duty again following the disappearance of his daughter, Minnie, which led to the dissolution of their marriage. Afterward, he gets picked up by his partner, Nicks, who informs him that they have received an anonymous tipoff that a safe deposit box at a bank will be robbed.

Things get really weird when the detectives witness how people, including bank officials, are seemingly following instructions given by a mysterious man. When Rourke (Affleck) races him to the targeted safe deposit box, he finds a picture of his daughter with the message “Find Lev Dellrayne” written on it. He is convinced that the heist had something to do with the disappearance of his daughter. The movie begins on a promising note and the first couple of sequences make viewers believe that they are in for a thrilling ride. However, what they get is a goofy sci-fi action thriller that’s entertaining despite its shortcomings.

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We will not ruin the movie by telling what happens next, but Rourke has lost track of time and turns to a hypnotherapist named Diana Cruz (Alice Braga). He wants her to help him overcome his personal struggles and deal with a series of crimes that have been terrorizing the city. Mysteries unfold and if people are familiar with the concept of mind-bending thrillers, they might see something coming, but will never get the full picture.

One of the biggest issues with ‘Hypnotic’ is that it fails to establish a clear set of rules for its hypnotic abilities. There are moments when people get hypnotized with a single glance, while at other times, the hypnosis seems to require an elaborate setup. It’s one of the areas where people might not be sure what is actually possible and what isn’t.

'Hypnotic' lives up to its title and has a complex storyline

Even then, ‘Hypnotic’ lives up to its title. ‘Hypnotics’ is a very vast subject and can help someone in constructing things that are completely immersive. You’ll never know what is real and what is an illusion, making hypnotics even more dangerous than anything else. Coming back to the movie, ‘Hypnotic’ is all about finding what’s happening and it keeps you guessing till the very end. Viewers might need multiple viewings to dissect every little plot detail. Let us make one thing very clear, this movie is extremely complex and some viewers might find the film difficult to follow. But if you give it some time, you’ll realize how engaging the movie really is.

That doesn’t mean that the movie doesn’t have issues. The pacing is the biggest issue here because it’s inconsistent. Some scenes could have definitely been cut and they wouldn’t have affected the overall plot. Also, there are certain moments where the writing is not subtle and it feels like the characters are being forced to say things that mean absolutely nothing.

Affleck, Braga deliver splendid performances

But the bright spots overshadow the dark spots in ‘Hypnotic’. The action sequences are brilliantly shot, well-choreographed, and provide excitement, especially during the ending moments of the film. Acting-wise, Ben Affleck is stunning as a damaged yet determined protagonist. He delivers a nuanced performance that is undoubtedly one of his best. On the other hand, Alice Braga is as solid as Affleck and the camaraderie between her and Affleck is a treat to watch.

All in all, ‘Hypnotic’ is a goofy sci-fi action thriller that is another solid entry in the sub-genre. The uneven pacing and inconsistent hypnotic rules might distract some people, but it is definitely worth a watch for fans of action thrillers.

*** stars for ‘Hypnotic’.

'Hypnotic' is scheduled to hit theatres on Friday, May 12.