The Machinist

The film opens with Trevor Reznik wrestling with a heavy object in his truck. He becomes increasingly panicked upon realizing he has a body wrapped in a carpet, just as a stranger approaches him with a flashlight, asking, 'Who are you?'

In a moment of desperation, Trevor is seen scrubbing his hands with bleach in the bathroom. Staring into the mirror at his emaciated reflection, he notices a post-it note that echoes the stranger's earlier question, emphasizing his existential crisis.

Trevor's life intersects with Stevie, a call-girl he has a fleeting romantic encounter with. After a brief exchange, she mocks his alarming weight, leaving him feeling even more despondent as he cannot escape the reality of his condition.

At work as a machinist, Trevor faces tension with his foreman, Tucker, due to his strict adherence to OSHA regulations. His co-worker Jones acknowledges Trevor's increasing isolation, pointing out the significant change in his social interactions.

Trevor frequently visits an airport diner where he has conversations with waitress Marie. She questions his late-night habits and expresses concern about his frail appearance, reflecting the worries shared by Stevie, deepening Trevor's sense of being hunted.

A turning point occurs when Trevor meets Ivan, who claims to be a replacement for his coworker Reynolds. This encounter leads to a shocking revelation about Ivan's non-existence in their workplace, intensifying Trevor's paranoia.

While fixing machinery at work, a grave accident leads to Miller being severely injured. Trevor, distracted by Ivan, attempts to explain his side to his boss but is only met with disbelief, which heightens his anxiety.

Trevor's paranoia continues to escalate as he finds cryptic post-it notes resembling a hangman game on his fridge. Each blank note raises his anxiety, intensifying his struggle with identity and reality.

On Mother's Day, Trevor takes Marie and her son Nicholas to an amusement park. A traumatic incident occurs when Nicholas suffers a seizure on a ride, triggering Trevor's guilt stemming from his connection to both Nicholas and his mother.

Trevor's erratic behavior culminates in conflicts with co-workers and challenges in his relationship with Stevie, who wishes to leave her job and start anew with him. Trevor's fear and anxiety about their potential future lead him into a deeper spiral.

Trevor ultimately confronts Ivan, culminating in a violent encounter that embodies his struggle for truth. This moment is marked by Trevor's desperate need for clarity amidst the chaos of his own mind.

As Trevor’s journey brings him to the beginning again, he attempts to dispose of what he believes to be Ivan's body. The horrifying truth about his actions dawns on him, revealing that guilt itself created the figure of Ivan as his tormentor.

Trevor recalls the tragic accident where he was distracted while driving, resulting in Nicholas's death. This moment is pivotal as it drives him to confront his haunting memories and the truth about himself.

Seeking closure, Trevor decides to turn himself into the authorities, a decision that reveals his desire for peace after living with his fractured psyche. He finally acknowledges the monstrous consequences of his past actions.

Trevor finds a flicker of solace in his imprisonment, leading to a poignant reflection on his harrowing experiences. The film concludes with the haunting image of him drifting into calmness, fully aware of his actions.