“Hypnosis”: a reflection on the influence of expectations in our lives
“Hypnosis”, directed by Ernst De Geer, a student of Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund (“The Square”, “Triangle of Sadness”), makes its feature debut with this dramatic comedy that takes a satirical approach to primarily explore insecurities, power dynamics in relationships, and the social pressure around acceptance, as well as the importance of maintaining appearances and conforming to certain conventions.
Synopsis
The film follows the story of André (played by Herbert Nordrum) and Vera (played by Asta Kamma August), a young couple who also work together on an app focused on women’s health. In an effort to make their project succeed, they attend a start-up camp with the goal of winning a grant. This event involves preparing a pitch to convince investors and, hopefully, get selected. However, what seems like an opportunity to advance in their career turns into a psychological nightmare after Vera agrees to undergo a hypnosis session beforehand.
The weight of others’ opinions
Both Vera, and most of us, live under the yoke of others’ opinions and appearances. It’s something that often escapes our control, as it’s deeply ingrained and instilled in us through schooling and parenting from childhood.
This fact affects people to varying degrees, but in Vera’s case, she discovers that she has spent her whole life doing what others expect of her. And it eats away at her from the inside. She feels she has lost herself, but she doesn’t quite know how to reverse the situation. Because of this, and because she wants to quit smoking and is stressed from work, she decides to attend a hypnotherapy session.
During the session, the psychologist asks her a series of questions that bring to the surface her true burdens. After her genuine desire for change is revealed, she undergoes the hypnosis session, and immediately afterward, they set off by car to the start-up camp.
Sustaining discomfort and managing appearances
The film stands out for its dark humor and its ability to make the audience uncomfortable, constantly questioning the authenticity of the characters and their relationship. De Geer plays with the idea of how people become trapped in their own insecurities, driving them to self-destructive behaviors.
In fact, one of the film’s strongest points is the fantastic performance by Asta Kamma August (Vera). Her portrayal captures the evolution of her character, from an apparently confident woman to someone deeply influenced by others’ expectations. Herbert Nordrum (André) also delivers a solid performance, showing how his character struggles to maintain control as their relationship falls apart.
Nordic humor and lifestyle
Visually, the film is restrained, using simple yet effective settings that reflect the oppressive atmosphere in which the events unfold. De Geer‘s direction is precise, skillfully balancing the ambiguous tone between comedy and drama, keeping the viewer in a constant state of uncertainty.
“I wondered how someone would react with less of a social filter.”Ernst De Geer
As you will see, “Hypnosis” is a film that encourages reflection on how social and personal expectations can influence our decisions and relationships, as well as the power of our parents’ early education in shaping us. The film also mocks the modern world and its obsessions, using hypnosis not only as a narrative device but also as a metaphor for manipulation and loss of identity.
In summary, “Hypnosis” is a smart film that uniquely blends humor, discomfort, and social critique. Highly recommended.
The Best: The debate it sparks on the art of pretending and reality, and how our true identity can be conditioned in relationships and other social settings. It’s also interesting how the film highlights aspects like constant judgment of others, competitiveness, comparison, and the stories we tell ourselves and others to be accepted—what is considered “right” or “wrong”. The film is perfect for a well-rounded cine-forum discussion.
The Worst: The pacing may feel slow at times, although the film compensates for this with an intriguing narrative and complex characters.
