Why Danny Boyle's 2013 Thriller 'Trance' Features James McAvoy's Most Underrated Performance

Danny Boyle's 2013 psychological thriller 'Trance' remains a hidden gem in the director's filmography, showcasing James McAvoy in a role that deserves far more recognition. Starring alongside Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel, McAvoy plays Simon, an art auctioneer who becomes entangled in a hypnotic heist plot after suffering a head injury. The film allowed Boyle to indulge his Brian De Palma influences, blending stylish visuals with a twisting narrative that keeps audiences guessing. Despite its star power and Boyle's pedigree, 'Trance' flew under the radar, but McAvoy's layered performance—shifting between vulnerability, cunning, and confusion—is a masterclass in unreliable narration. As streaming introduces the film to new viewers, it's time to reconsider this trippy thriller as a standout in both Boyle's career and McAvoy's impressive body of work.