Ben Affleck’s Hypnotic: Is It Worth the Watch?

Ben Affleck has established himself as a Hollywood mainstay but his journey through the world of entertainment began decades ago. He is known and respected for his versatility and having a knack for excelling in various roles both in front of and behind the camera.

From his early days as a child actor to his recent directorial ventures, Affleck has left an indelible mark on the film industry. But is his latest offering, Hypnotic, worth your time?

The Many Talents of Ben Affleck

From his earliest performances in front of the camera as Tommy in The Dark End of the Street (1981) and in the PBS educational series The Voyage of the Mimi (1984), to breakout roles with his childhood friend and long-standing collaborator Matt Damon in Chasing Amy (1997) and Good Will Hunting (1997), Affleck has had an exciting and diverse career.

The latter of which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay which he shared with Damon. His next Oscar win would arrive in 2012 for Argo – a gripping portrayal of the daring exfiltration of six US citizens from the American embassy in Tehran in 1979.

Beyond screenwriting and producing and other silver screen related endeavors, Affleck is known for his philanthropic work and also his prowess around the poker table. Having participated in many high level contests for over a decade and even trying his hand at the official WSOP (World Series of Poker) tournaments. High-profile celebs like Affleck’s involvement in poker has encouraged many new players to come to the sport, and fans of his can emulate his success with a poker no deposit bonus.

His enduring appeal can be attributed to his multifaceted talent and a dedication to his craft. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres and roles makes him a respected figure in the film industry, and his future endeavors are always met with anticipation. Hypnotic is the latest of these.

A Dive into the Film

Hypnotic is a 2023 psychological thriller directed by Robert Rodriguez, known for From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids and Sin City. It places Ben Affleck in the lead role as Detective Danny Rourke, a troubled soul grappling with the abduction of his daughter, Minnie.

During his pursuit for the truth, Rourke stumbles upon a mysterious figure named Lev Dellrayne, played by William Fichtner. Dellrayne possesses a formidable gift, the ability to control minds.

As the threads of destiny are carefully unwound, Rourke is led to a pivotal moment during an investigation into a bank heist. A clue as to the fate of his daughter, Minnie, which leads him to the door of a fortune-teller named Diana Cruz.

It is during this encounter that a secret is revealed, both Rourke and Cruz are found to be formidable hypnotists, a skill that has been honed by a covert government faction. Intrigue deepens as Rourke’s pursuit unravels the unsettling truth – Dellrayne, a chameleon in disguise, is on a relentless quest for the elusive weapon known only as “Domino,” stolen from the same division that trained him.

Rourke and Cruz escape to Mexico, where they learn more about both their own powers and the potential of this mysterious weapon. As Rourke painstakingly pieces together the fragments of Minnie’s past, the haunting connection to the enigmatic division comes into stark focus.

Fueled by an unwavering resolve, he embarks on a quest to reunite with his daughter, forging ahead despite the labyrinthine twists, and unexpected allies and adversaries that stand in his way. With each revelation, it becomes clearer what role Minnie has in all of this.

Release and Reception

Hypnotic premiered on Netflix on July 27, 2023, to mixed reviews. While Affleck’s performance shines, some critics found the plot lacking in originality. Simon Abrams at Roger Ebert gave it 2.5/5 noting the glaring space the movie often suffered from but also noted something intangibly charming about the whole affair.

In the realm of psychological thrillers, Hypnotic finds itself in an unenviable position. While Affleck’s portrayal is commendable, the film struggles to break free from the shadow of its more deftly executed predecessors like Christopher Nolan’s Inception (2010) and Memento (2000).

The Final Verdict

Hypnotic stands as a serviceable thriller with a skilfully crafted suspenseful atmosphere. It’s a stylish offering with immersive visuals not lacking in entertainment value but try not to poke too hard as you’re sure to find some glaring plot holes.

Hypnotic by no means redefines the genre, but for fans of Affleck or Rodriguez, it offers a decent watch. However, for those seeking groundbreaking mind-benders, it might fall short of expectations.