Trance

Trance follows a slick and dangerous heist that spirals beyond anyone's control. A violent gang pulls off a bold theft aiming to steal a prized painting, but the artwork vanishes in an instant, leaving its perpetrators with nothing but questions and a sense of danger. Simon, a young, ambitious thief played by James McAvoy, becomes entangled with Franck, a crime lord who demands results. To recover the missing prize, they hire Elizabeth, a hypnotherapist portrayed by Rosario Dawson, who promises access to hidden memories beneath the surface of the mind. The trio and their wary associates push into a world where memory can be shaped and truth is a moving target, testing loyalties and nerve without fully exposing the plan.

Directed by Danny Boyle, Trance comes from an original screenplay by John Hodge and Joe Ahearne. The 2013 thriller blends Boyle's brisk pacing with a psychology driven crime story, using sharp dialogue and stylish, late night London visuals to heighten tension.

Worldwide box office reached about 24.3 million on a 20 million budget, which places Trance in the modest range for a mid tier British thriller. International markets and staggered release helped sustain momentum beyond the opening weekend. Critics noted its stylish setup.

Critics praised McAvoy's intensity and Boyle's mood, though some viewers found the plot tangled and hard to follow. The story probes memory manipulation, identity, and trust under pressure, using hypnosis as a narrative lens rather than a gimmick. The film also prompts conversations about consent and control in therapy settings.

The film's stylish approach to memory and hypnosis left a small but clear mark on late 2010s thrillers, nudging audiences toward stories where recollection negotiates with danger. It also highlighted Boyle's willingness to mix commercial suspense with experimental structure. Not a defining moment, but a notable entry in Boyle's filmography.