The Hypnosis, by Swedish director Ernst De Geer, is a witty film that allows the viewers to soak in all the embracement of life and slowly learn to embrace it.
The Hypnosis tells the story of a young entrepreneurial couple, André and Vera. Through establishing their app, they have the opportunity to pitch their female health app, Epione, at a prestigious competition, Shake Up. The application’s unique selling point is that it will help women in developing countries. Before heading there, Vera tries hypnotherapy to quit smoking. She emerges as a smoker but changes in ways that cannot be explained, even the self-consciousness in her eyes is replaced by a more frantic gaze.
A Reflection Of Society:
The film starts with Vera, our protagonist, carefully rehearsing the pitch for their app. She shares a deeply personal story about her first period and her chronic illness. In doing so, the audience automatically feels for and bonds with Vera. Her life and business partner, André, indicates her tone is too heavy. She doubts herself and does not step up to speak up for herself. In fact, his fears quiet down only when their mentor Lotte, says that her tone is perfect.
The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Vera is not sure of herself, and he is full of himself. Through the first part of the film, Vera is stuck on a consistent loop of “Sure”, “Yes”, and “Absolutely”. Together, Vera and André seem like every millennial couple.
De Geer sets every awkward moment against the background of what society deems as ‘normal social interactions’, which allows the viewer to compare and contrast. The first-time director does not focus solely on one woman’s journey towards misbehaving. It is so much more than that. It is a reflection of the double standards of society. Society always expects women and girls to be polite, kind and never take up too much space.
The Hypnosis is a clever way of dissecting way social constructs and the ways society has become too socially aware for its own good.
