Trance is the through the looking glass heist film that follows an art auctioneer (James McAvoy), who after becoming mixed up with a group of criminal partners (Vincent Cassel), has to seek the help of an hypnotherapist (Rosario Dawson) to unlock the secret that will help find a stolen painting. As the plan unfolds things aren't what they seem, with twists and turns that leave us guessing, scratching our heads with a wonderful dumbfoundedness.
Initially, it has to be said that Trance is a film that succeeds on so many levels, and that success has to be credited to Danny Boyle’s en-TRANCING (sorry) direction. This relatively low budget flick ticks every box a film watcher, film critic and film lover could desire from a psychological twisty turny venture. Boyle, fresh of the wonderful London 2012 opening ceremony, formulated what could only be described as the surprise of 2013. Personally, I have admired Danny Boyle’s work tremendously. Ranging from Trainspotting, 28 days later and the Academy Award winning Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle’s diversity has cemented himself as one of Britain’s best directors. However, in my opinion all his brilliance culminated in Trance. The film is sleek to say the least, with seamless transitions that aid the audience greatly. If this film is Wonderland, then Boyle is certainly the Mad Hatter, guiding us through all the joys that the movie spurts out.
Trance also benefits from a superb cast, whom all help tremendously realize the characters they are playing. Firstly, Rosario Dawson is brilliant in her role as the consulting hypnotherapist. Dawson goes all out in her role… Literally. Her character is a tremendous balance of intellectual calmness and on edge fear, with Dawson balancing her on screen emotion with sheer professionalism. Also we have Vincent Cassel as the oddly lovable bad guy. Cassel certainly is an actor who possess the persona to be a sophisticated mob type, who obtains a keen interest in art. I mean come on, the guy screams well-educated badassery. 
However, where the cast excels is the stunning performance by James McAvoy as the man over his head, desperately trapped in a place he wants to escape. His performance certainly captures every essence of Trance, with an emotional journey that twists and turns in perfect harmony, matching the demands of the story. The performance on display really does show McAvoy’s talent as an actor and how he truly is a force to be reckoned with going forward.
It’s hard not to notice as well, that Trance is a beautifully shot film. DP Anthony Dod Mantle whom has worked with Boyle on his previous titles, expertly crafts luxurious sets which are sublimely shot. The metaphorical significance and perfect disjointed feel of the cinematography provides a coat of richness that polishes the picture. This meticulous beauty helps elevate the small scale picture, allowing it to feel somewhat of a blockbuster thriller instead of a b rate movie that the modest budget suggests.
For me however, the real pivotal asset that the film has is a very intelligent narrative. Joe Ahearne’s story is sublime. The pacing is excellent and the unfolding of the plot is so amazingly unexpected, that if divulged would be a shame to anyone wishing to enjoy Trance for the first time. This a bonus for me as I now save time and online ink. All I can say is the narrative surrounding Trance is a delightfully engaging puzzle that, unlike a Rubik’s cube, is rewarding with time.
To conclude, Trance is the perfect example of a film that catches you off guard with its brilliance. I think the majority of the movie going population have developed narrow vision when it comes to their selection of films. Formulaic, explosion studded, predictable movies have sadly dominated the mass population. Therefore, the majority of people have been under the false impression that if a film does not posses a budget of plus £100 million there is no top quality enjoyment to be had. Trance breaks that misconception. Not only breaks it, smashes it. Every aspect of this picture is top-notch and I would encourage anyone to go and see it just to experience something not stereotypical. The brilliance of the film is just a bonus.
My Score: 9.0/10
IMDB: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
Did You Know: Originally Michael Fassbender was cast as Vincent Cassel’s character but due to scheduling had to drop out of the project.
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