'Superb' Christopher Nolan thriller that needs 'multiple watches' is now streaming for free

A dark sci-fi thriller that viewers say 'blew their minds' has just been added to BBC iPlayer, but fans don't have long to watch it.

Helmed by the Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan, The Prestige stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as two magicians locked in a fierce rivalry in the 1800s.

While the pair start out as close friends, a tragic incident tears them apart and they become obsessed with attempting to outdo each other on stage with potentially devastating consequences.

The BBC's synopsis reads: "Two magicians feud bitterly after one of them performs the ultimate trick - teleportation - leaving the other to obsess about discovering his secret."

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Alongside Hollywood heavyweights Bale and Jackman, the 2006 release also stars Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Andy Serkis and even the late David Bowie.

The film clocks in at just over two hours long, but despite the lengthy runtime, viewers have been bowled over after watching it. It currently boasts a near-perfect 92 per cent Rotten Tomatoes audience score, while critics gave it a more modest 77 per cent.

One viewer gushed: "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 a second shared: "The more I watch this film the more I catch on to the little details," as a third branded 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."

While the film has only just been added to BBC iPlayer, it won't stay there for long. According to the iPlayer site, it will only be available for free streaming for 29 days before it is removed.

The Prestige is now streaming free on BBC iPlayer