Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), a magician turned obsessive by the death of his wife, sets out to rival his new counterpart, Alfred Borden. He was once partnered with Alfred Borden, but after the death of his wife the two were split apart.

After Borden develops a magnificent trick called the "Transported Man," Robert rules out all possibilities of Alfred having a double. So, after stealing Borden's diary he finds that the word "TESLA" is not just its cipher, but the key to the amazing illusion. Robert sets sail for America where he finds Nikola Tesla, a physicist, and recruits his work in order to construct his own version of the illusion. Warned to go home before it is too late, Robert dismisses Tesla's warning and puts his life in danger.