Netflix has released the teaser trailer for its forthcoming psychological thriller, Ballad of a Small Player. Starring Colin Farrell as a compulsive gambler, the film is set to premiere in select theaters on October 15, 2023, before streaming on Netflix beginning October 29, 2023.
Directed by Edward Berg, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, this adaptation is based on the acclaimed 2014 novel by Lawrence Osborne. The screenplay has been crafted by Rowan Joffe, who previously wrote for 28 Weeks Later.
In the teaser trailer, viewers are introduced to Farrell’s character, Lord Doyle, who finds himself entrenched in the vibrant yet perilous casino scene of Macau. The visuals depict his struggles with gambling addiction and mounting debts, presenting a character whose life is spiraling out of control. Although the trailer does not divulge extensive plot details, it effectively highlights Doyle’s turbulent journey.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe, a private investigator pursuing Doyle, alongside other notable actors such as Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, and Alex Jennings. The official synopsis provides a glimpse into the narrative:
“Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell) 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 (Fala Chen), a casino employee with secrets of her own. However, in hot pursuit is Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) – 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 blend of psychological tension and character depth, Ballad of a Small Player promises to engage audiences when it arrives in theaters this October. The film’s exploration of addiction and redemption, underscored by a stellar cast, positions it as a significant entry in Netflix’s slate of original films.
