Movies speak in more ways than just dialogue. Some of the most powerful messages lie in visuals, in symbols woven subtly into the narrative. Trance (2020), directed by Anwar Rasheed, is one such film that thrives on layers of meaning. One such symbol is the Betta fish—a seemingly small detail that carries a heavy message.
The Betta fish in Trance is not just a random aesthetic choice. It’s a metaphor. A striking one that ties directly to the film’s core themes: conflict, isolation, deception, and mental fragility. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Let’s break it down.
The Betta Fish and Conflict: A Battle Within
Betta fish are also known as Siamese fighting fish. They don’t get along. Put two of them in the same tank, and they’ll fight, sometimes to the death. This nature of the fish mirrors the internal battle that the protagonist, Viju Prasad (played by Fahadh Faasil), faces throughout the film.
Viju is constantly fighting—first, with his tragic past, then with his conscience as he becomes Pastor Joshua Carlton. His new identity as a miracle-working pastor is a carefully crafted lie, but inside, the real Viju struggles. He knows the truth. He fights against it, but the more he resists, the more he loses himself. Just like a Betta fish forced into a fight, Viju is trapped in a battle he can’t escape.
This idea of conflict extends beyond Viju. The movie critiques the larger battle between faith and deception, between those who truly believe and those who manipulate belief for power and money.
The Symbol of Isolation: Trapped in a Glass Box
Betta fish are usually kept alone in small tanks. Not because they prefer it, but because they have to be. Otherwise, they turn on each other.
This parallels Viju’s deep loneliness. Before becoming Joshua Carlton, he is a struggling motivational speaker, living a life of emotional isolation. His past trauma, the loss of his family, and his failure to make something of himself keep him trapped. Even after his rise to fame, the loneliness doesn’t go away. His success only puts him in a bigger glass box—one where everyone watches, but no one truly understands.
This isolation is one of the film’s most haunting themes. Viju may be surrounded by people, but he remains utterly alone, much like a Betta fish in its tank.
Deception: The Beautiful Yet Dangerous Illusion
Betta fish are mesmerizing. Their flowing fins and vibrant colors make them look delicate, almost ethereal. But beneath the beauty lies a fighter, an aggressive survivor.
This is exactly what Trance exposes—appearances can be deceptive. Just like the Betta fish in Trance, Pastor Joshua Carlton’s charisma and grandeur hide the dark reality behind the show. The stage, the lights, the faith healings—they all create an illusion, much like the shimmering fins of a Betta fish that distract from its true nature.
The film critiques how organized religion can sometimes become a performance, a staged act that plays on the vulnerability of people. Just like Viju becomes something he is not, the Betta fish in Trance represents the masks people wear to survive in a world that demands perfection.
Mental Fragility: A Delicate Balance
Betta fish are fragile creatures. They need specific conditions to survive—clean water, the right temperature, and proper care. If neglected, they deteriorate fast.
This delicacy is a direct metaphor for Viju’s mental state. He starts as someone dealing with depression, trauma, and suicidal tendencies. His transformation into Joshua Carlton doesn’t heal him—it only suppresses his pain. But, like a neglected Betta fish, his condition worsens under stress. The pressures of maintaining the illusion push him to the edge. His mind, already fragile, begins to collapse, leading to his eventual breakdown.
Mental health is one of Trance’s strongest underlying themes. The film doesn’t just talk about manipulation; it also sheds light on how unchecked trauma can consume a person from within.
Betta Fish in Trance: Why This Symbol Matters?
The Betta fish in Trance is not a coincidence. It’s a carefully placed symbol that tells a deeper story. It represents the film’s protagonist, the larger themes of faith versus deception, personal battles, isolation, and mental health.
Every time you see the Betta fish in the movie, it’s a reminder. A reminder that beneath the beauty, there can be a struggle. Beneath confidence, there can be fear. And beneath faith, there can sometimes be a carefully constructed illusion.
Anwar Rasheed’s Trance is a film that demands multiple viewings to fully grasp its depth. The Betta fish in Trance is just one piece of its rich visual storytelling. But once you understand its significance, you’ll never look at those scenes the same way again.
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So the next time you watch Trance, pay close attention. The answers to the film’s biggest questions might just be swimming in plain sight.
