This deeply startling work is a thinking man’s horror film and a symbolic self-portrait by one of the cinema’s great directors. Max Von Sydow, doubting knight of The Seventh Seal, here leads Bergman’s brilliant attack on modern rationality and cynicism.
Hypnotist and magician Dr. Vogler heads a troupe of travelling players, which includes his wife Manda (Ingrid Thulin) dressed as a male assistant. They are examined and humiliated by Dr. Vergerus (Gunnar Bjornstrand), a cynical medical officer. During a performance convened for the medical officer and his committee, Volger exerts his revenge. When the tables are turned again, the magician perpetrates an incredible illusion on the unbelieving doctor, but is now trapped within his own mystery.