Hypnos is the Latin word for sleep. And we use the language of Latin to call all kinds of bullshit. Who knows why, it has nothing to do with it. Olympus sells expensive cameras. There’s a gigantic software company called Oracle. Did you know that there is a whole section of Pluto named after Lovecraft? The moar you know!
Doctor Beatris Vargas doesn’t nor themselves in the twisted world of Hipnos. With her new assignment as a psychiatrist in a distant and isolated sanitarium, the Doctor finds their life entranced and disarmed by their strange counterparts. Even reality seems against her, and they must alone face a decent into a madness of mystery, deceit, suicide and betrayal.
Beginning with a somewhat strong start, Hipnos pretty much fucks off to the land of sheer average as fast as it can get with its amazingly underwhelming story. While there’s some superficial play of the substance of mental illness, and a little discussion of sexuality, the mature viewer is only going to find themselves chewing on regurgitated stock shock no better than the last horror crap you watched, plus a flash of european tits this time.
There’s art to be appreciated in the captivating and excellently crafted camerawork which comfortably handles its scenes. Work was put into the planning of this production, and it shows. The direction has a professional approach; coldly precise and effortlessly human. And the soundtrack may be minimal, but it’s well designed and inputted, efficiently balancing out the various moments of drama and ease.
The acting is solid; perhaps too so. Though each actor presents formidable skill and ability, their presence leaves an artificial taste in the mouth. A perfect case would be the lead and their primitive range of emotions. For a medical practioneer, dashing around from room to room in heels and skirts, it’s obvious they’re more interested in the wardrobe than the front lobe.
The unrealistic and overdramatic portrayal of the mentally impaired is also distasteful. Although sets are clean, cared for and clinical, this is hardly the truth for those with difficult conditions, whose options usually exist within the polar opposite. There’s an opportunity to explore this harsh aspect, by the way, if anyone feels like taking it instead of making these shitty mediocre pulp thrillers.
4/10
Possession Media 