A sinister sci-fi thriller that audiences claim completely ‘blew their minds’ has just landed on BBC iPlayer, though viewers have a limited timeframe to catch it.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan, The Prestige features Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as two illusionists engaged in a bitter feud during the 1800s.
Whilst the duo are initially close friends, a catastrophic event drives them apart and they become consumed with trying to surpass one another on stage with potentially disastrous results.
The BBC’s description states: “Two magicians feud bitterly after one of them performs the ultimate trick – teleportation – leaving the other to obsess about discovering his secret.”
Alongside Hollywood titans Bale and Jackman, the 2006 picture also features Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Andy Serkis and even the late David Bowie, reports the Mirror.
The movie runs for just over two hours, yet despite the considerable duration, audiences have been utterly captivated after viewing it.
It currently holds a near-flawless 92 per cent Rotten Tomatoes audience rating, whilst critics awarded it a more conservative 77 per cent.
One fan enthused: “The Prestige absolutely blew my mind. From the first scene to the final reveal, I was hooked-completely absorbed in its layered storytelling and the dark obsession that drives both lead characters.”
Meanwhile another commented: “The more I watch this film the more I catch on to the little details,” whilst a third declared it “one of the best films I’ve ever seen.”
They continued: “The cast is phenomenal, the script is original and brilliant, and the cinematography is very impressive as well. It may be a slow film, but it’s the kind of movie that keeps you constantly guessing.”
A fourth viewer added: “The Prestige is another brilliant Christopher Nolan film that truly stands out as one of the greatest movies ever made.
“The story of rivalry, obsession, and sacrifice between two magicians is gripping and full of twists that keep you guessing until the very end.”
Whilst the film has only recently arrived on BBC iPlayer, it won’t remain there for much longer. According to the iPlayer website, it will only be available for complimentary streaming for 29 days before being withdrawn.
The Prestige is now streaming free on BBC iPlayer