The Machinist: How Trevor Reznik’s Mind Hid the Truth

“A little guilt goes a long way.” This line from The Machinist perfectly sums up Trevor Reznik’s struggle. When we meet Trevor, he hasn’t slept in a year. He’s wasting away, paranoid, and haunted by strange visions. As the story unfolds, we learn the truth: Trevor accidentally killed a child in a hit-and-run, and his guilt was so overwhelming that his mind buried the memory.

What makes The Machinist so powerful is how it explores this psychological process—how trauma can shape the mind, and how guilt refuses to stay hidden. But how does repression work? And could this happen in real life? Let’s explore Trevor’s journey and the way his mind tried to protect itself.