In this twisting, turning tale, two Victorian-era magicians spark a powerful rivalry that builds into an escalating battle of tricks and an unquenchable thirst to uncover the other's trade secrets.

At a time when magicians are idols and celebrities of the highest order, two young magicians set out to carve their own paths to fame.

The flashy, sophisticated Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) is a consummate entertainer, while the rough-edged purist Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) is a creative genius who lacks the panache to showcase his magical ideas.

They start out as admiring friends and partners. But when their biggest trick goes terribly awry, they become enemies for life.

Their ferocious competition builds until it knows no bounds, even utilising the fantastical new powers of electricity and the scientific brilliance of Nikola Tesla (David Bowie) while the lives of everyone around them hang in the balance.

With Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, Andy Serkis and rising star Piper Perabo.