Netflix has unveiled the teaser trailer for its highly anticipated psychological thriller, Ballad of a Small Player, featuring Academy Award nominee Colin Farrell in the lead role as a compulsive gambler. The film, directed by Edward Berg, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front, is set to be released in select theaters on October 15, 2023, before streaming on Netflix starting October 29, 2023.
Based on the 2014 novel by Lawrence Osborne, Ballad of a Small Player presents a gripping narrative centered around Lord Doyle, portrayed by Farrell, who finds himself entrenched in the vibrant yet perilous casino scene of Macau. The screenplay adaptation is penned by Rowan Joffe, a writer known for his work on 28 Weeks Later.
The teaser trailer begins with Farrell’s character, Lord Doyle, navigating the glittering but treacherous casino floors. Although the footage does not reveal extensive plot details, it clearly depicts Doyle struggling with his gambling addiction and the mounting burden of his crippling debts. The atmosphere is charged with tension as viewers are introduced to Doyle’s desperate circumstances.
Alongside Farrell, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Tilda Swinton, who plays the role of Cynthia Blithe, a private investigator pursuing Doyle. The cast also includes Fala Chen, known for her performances in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Deanie Ip, an acclaimed actress recognized for her roles in Our Time Will Come and A Simple Life.
The official synopsis provides an insight into the film’s narrative: “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.”
With its intriguing premise and a stellar cast, Ballad of a Small Player promises to deliver an intense cinematic experience when it premieres later this month. As anticipation builds, audiences are eager to see how Farrell’s portrayal of Lord Doyle unfolds amidst the high stakes of gambling and personal redemption.