Hypnotic (2021) was a random find to quench my desire for a thriller of some sort. I don’t really enjoy straight horror anymore, but every now and then, I want to watch a psychological thriller. I’d never heard of this movie before, but I’ve seen the lead actress, Kate Siegel, in several other works and enjoyed them, so I figured I’d give this movie a chance. 

When Jenn Thompson (Siegel) realizes she needs help for her depression, she begins to see Dr. Meade (Jason O’Mara), her friend’s therapist. They build a friendly rapport, and he suggests using hypnotherapy to help her. It seems effective, but soon strange things start happening. She begins losing time, going into trances, and wakes up from a trance learning that she nearly killed her ex-boyfriend. She decides to do some research and learns that there is a criminal complaint filed against Dr. Meade by a former patient of his who is now dead. She becomes convinced that Dr. Meade is controlling his patients through hypnosis and making them perform murderous deeds. She then reaches out to Detective Wade (Dulé Hill), who had been investigating the previous patient’s case. Jenn soon learns that Dr. Meade has planted certain trigger words into her mind that result in complete loss of consciousness and will. Together, Jenn and Detective Wade embark on a dangerous mission to stop Dr. Meade, which proves difficult considering his power over Jenn.

It is not necessary to spoil the ending of this film in order to discuss its Catholic themes, so I will not share any more details about the plot. What I will say is that this film was a little cheesy, some of it seeming a little too far-fetched, but an entertaining watch nonetheless. Despite its label as a “thriller” or “horror,” this movie was actually quite tame. There was very little foul language, but no gore or clear nudity (there was one hazy scene where sex was heavily implied). If you’re looking for some suspense (and especially if you have an interest in psychology), you may enjoy this film.

Hypnotic was a great reason to look up the Catholic Church’s teaching on hypnosis. Obviously, as depicted in the film, hypnosis takes away one’s free will, which is certainly not favorable in the eyes of the Church. Our free will is a gift from God, it is what makes us different from all other creatures, and anything that impairs its ability (like excess alcohol use) is discouraged. However, the Church does not offer an official declaration about hypnosis. I found an article by a Catholic medical ethicist who applied Catholic teaching to determine that hypnosis may be licit if 3 conditions are met: (1) there is present a grave reason to undergo hypnosis, (2) the subject undergoing hypnosis consents, and (3) due precautions are observed (the psychotherapist is qualified, someone else is present to observe). In short, the Church recognizes the possible benefits of hypnosis may provide, such as its use in overcoming addictions or helping with other serious issues, but it must be performed with caution. I think this film does a good job illustrating why, exactly, the Church feels the way it does.