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Colin Farrell dives deep into a world of high-stakes gambling and self-destruction in the upcoming Netflix film 'Ballad of a Small Player'.
Netflix dropped the first trailer for the thriller recently, giving viewers a glimpse of Farrell as Lord Doyle — a reckless gambler living in Macau, chasing luck while his life unravels. Edward Berger — acclaimed for his work on 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and 'Conclave' — is stepping behind the camera once again to direct 'Ballad of a Small Player'.
Adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s acclaimed novel, the movie follows Doyle as he wastes away his remaining fortune on casino floors. The teaser leans more on mood and visuals than words, featuring Farrell sprinting through neon-soaked streets, downing drinks, and getting into tense fights with casino workers.
The cast includes Fala Chen, Alex Jennings, among others, who step into the role of a private investigator named Cynthia Blithe, determined to confront Doyle about his mysterious past.
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Image Courtesy: Netflix
What Does 'Ballad of a Small Player' Follow?
According to the official synopsis of 'Ballad of a Small Player', Lord Doyle is hiding out in Macau while sinking deeper into debt through gambling and alcohol. With his financial troubles piling up, he receives unexpected help from Dao Ming, a casino worker with her own hidden motives. Meanwhile, Cynthia Blithe is tracking him down, intent on exposing the truth he's trying to escape. As Doyle seeks redemption, his grip on reality begins to slip.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
'Ballad of a Small Player' marks Edward Berger’s return after the success of 'Conclave'. Berger compared this new project to a chaotic opera, describing it as a stark contrast to the controlled structure of 'Conclave'. Key collaborators include cinematographer James Friend and composer Volker Bertelmann, both of whom worked with Berger on his Oscar-winning war film.
Colin Farrell, who earned praise for his role as The Penguin, keeps his momentum going this year with another major appearance — this time starring with Margot Robbie in 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey'.
'Ballad of a Small Player' hits select theatres on 15th October and arrives on Netflix worldwide on 29th October.
