The Untold True Story Behind Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Molly’s Game’

Aaron Sorkin, renowned for his sharp and engaging dialogue in stage plays, screenplays, and television, made his directorial debut with ‘Molly’s Game’ in 2017. Adapted from Molly Bloom’s 2014 memoir, the film chronicles Bloom’s transition from an Olympic skiing hopeful to the manager of a high-stakes underground poker ring. Jessica Chastain stars as Bloom, delivering a standout performance alongside Idris Elba and Kevin Costner. Despite its acclaim, the film raises questions about how accurately it portrays Bloom’s real-life story.

Sorkin’s directorial debut dives into Bloom’s rise and fall within the underground poker world. Initially set on becoming an Olympic skier, Bloom’s career was derailed by an injury. She then moved to Los Angeles and began working as a waitress and assistant, where she was introduced to high-stakes poker.

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 Bloom quickly climbed the ranks, managing games for celebrities and wealthy players. However, her success led to personal and professional turmoil, including addiction and illegal activities. This eventually drew the attention of both the FBI and Russian mobsters.

Bloom’s experiences in New York City, where she ran games with buy-ins up to $250,000, led to significant legal trouble. She was arrested, charged with profiting from illegal poker games and sentenced to probation and a fine. Despite her legal troubles, Bloom used her experiences as material for a memoir, which Sorkin adapted into the film. Sorkin’s commitment to authenticity involved extensive consultations with Bloom, although some creative liberties were taken, such as dramatizing Bloom’s interactions with her father.

Chastain’s portrayal of Bloom captures a complex character navigating a male-dominated world with agility and strength. Her performance highlights Bloom’s adaptability and the depth beneath her public persona, challenging initial stereotypes. The film’s balance of fact and drama, coupled with Chastain’s nuanced performance, brings Bloom’s compelling story to life.

–Farheen Ali