Very early on in my first in-person SXSW experience, I realized this festival is about community above anything else. Locals were welcoming and friendly, the volunteers who make it all possible are more loved than the celebrities, and everyone there is passionate about why they are there. Director/writer Robert Rodriguez was there to screen his work-in-progress film, Hypnotic, but in reality he was there to connect with fans and people. After every SXSW screening there is a Q&A with cast and crew, where Rodriguez had the energy off the charts with people lined up behind the microphones eager to be able to tell him their favorite movie of his; no sooner than the title could leave their lips - someone off stage was coming to bring an original poster to Rodriguez to hand to his super fans. Rodriguez continued to one up himself, inviting fans to visit his studio for a tour and even stay for screenings. I’ve never seen anything like this. He wasn’t showboating, he was genuine. Genuine for the opportunity to be at SXSW, genuine for the ability to connect with his fans - it was just as meaningful for him as it was for them. This was truly awesome to witness, and it made me want to seek out more of his films I haven’t seen yet. 

 

Hypnotic stars Ben Affleck as a detective in this dark, mysterious, and twisty-turny thriller as he attempts to find his missing daughter in connection with a secret government program. The gritty surroundings play to the tone of the narrative where you never really feel like you fully understand what is going on. Once you think you may have it figured out, there is a twist. When the narrative gets to the big reveal you may have an “ah-ha” moment, but do not let your guard down too soon because another twist is sure to follow. 

 

I don’t want to give away too much for this review, but when Rodriguez spoke after the screening at his Q&A and revealed the inspiration for this story came from famous director Alfred Hitchock, the story clicked with me in a different way after he said this, and I totally see what he is doing here. He also mentioned a completely different alternate ending to the story, so I will be interested to see how the final cut shakes out. This is definitely worth seeking out if you love a mystery/thriller or if you like seeing Ben Affleck be super serious in a role. I had fun with this and it would be a worthwhile rewatch to try to pick up on things I may have missed on a  first watch. 

 

There is a sweet spot with how many twists and turns a film can have without seeming too gimmicky, and Hypnotic toes the line with this rule. Overall I enjoyed it, but I am still left wondering if it was because of the charm of Rodrigeuz and Affleck combined.