The Illusionist (2010)

In the ebbing twilight of a once-luminous career, Tatischeff, a lean and silent French illusionist, finds himself adrift in the late 1950s, a period marked by the rapid decline of traditional music halls. Once a dazzling entertainer, Tatischeff now wrestles with a life of dwindling fame, his dreams shattered, his artistry overshadowed by the dawn of emerging rock stars and modern entertainment. Leaving behind the incandescent lights of Paris, he is drawn to the rain-drenched landscapes of rural Scotland, a world away from his former grandeur. Here, in the midst of fringe theaters, quaint garden parties, and dimly lit bars, he is compelled to accept obscure gigs that barely sustain his existence. However, amidst this gloom, a ray of hope emerges in the form of Alice, a wide-eyed young girl. Her innocence and unwavering belief in Tatischeff's magic ignite a chivalrous bond that promises to breathe new life into his world. As they navigate the realities of an evolving era, Alice's conviction that Tatischeff's magic is genuine sparks a glimmer of optimism in the illusionist's heart. The future might yet hold promise for this magician of a dying art form, but can he escape the harsh truth of the present? The Illusionist is a poignant exploration of this question, an enchanting journey of resilience, friendship, and the enduring magic of belief.

The Illusionist is an animation movie featuring Jean-Claude Donda.

The Illusionist is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on MUBI.

It is also possible to buy The Illusionist on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.