Netflix has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming psychological thriller, Ballad of a Small Player, featuring Academy Award nominee Colin Farrell in the lead role. Set to debut in select theaters on October 15, 2023, the film promises to delve into the dark world of gambling addiction. Directed by Edward Berg, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front, the movie is based on the critically acclaimed 2014 novel by Lawrence Osborne.
The teaser introduces Farrell’s character, Lord Doyle, who is entrenched in the vibrant casino scene of Macau. Throughout the brief clip, viewers witness Doyle’s struggles with a debilitating gambling addiction and the overwhelming weight of his financial troubles. While the trailer does not provide extensive details about the plot, it effectively sets the tone for the film’s exploration of desperation and loss.
The screenplay for Ballad of a Small Player has been adapted by Rowan Joffe, known for his writing on 28 Weeks Later. Alongside Farrell, the film features a robust ensemble cast, including Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe, a private investigator pursuing Doyle, and Fala Chen, who plays Dao Ming, a casino employee with her own hidden agendas. Other notable cast members include Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings.
The official synopsis paints a vivid picture of Doyle’s precarious situation: “Lord Doyle is laying low in Macau – spending his days and nights on the casino floors, drinking heavily and gambling what little money he has left. Struggling to keep up with his fast-rising debts, he is offered a lifeline by the mysterious Dao Ming, a casino employee with secrets of her own. However, in hot pursuit is Cynthia Blithe – a private investigator ready to confront Doyle with what he is running from. As Doyle tries to climb to salvation, the confines of reality start to close in.”
Following its theatrical release, Ballad of a Small Player will begin streaming on Netflix from October 29, 2023. With its gripping premise and talented cast, the film is anticipated to resonate with audiences eager for a thrilling narrative about the darker aspects of human behavior.
