When it was announced that director Edward Berger, fresh off the success of one of the best films of 2024, Conclave, would be teaming up with Colin Farrell for an adaptation of a novel about a gambler and con artist, it instantly became one of my most anticipated films of the year. Sadly, the result is a case of style over substance. For me, it ends up being one of the biggest disappointments of the year, a film that tries to say a lot, but never manages to say anything meaningful by the time it reaches its conclusion.
The film follows Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell), an apparent high-roller struggling to survive in Macau, the gambling capital of the world. With a refined London accent reminiscent of the Royal Family, Doyle carries himself with a style and confidence that could convince even the most skeptical observer. However, it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. Doyle owes money to almost everyone, particularly the hotel where he's staying, which threatens to report him to the police if he doesn't pay a bill amounting to a small fortune in three days.
Director: Edward Berger
Writers: Rowan Joffe, Lawrence Osborne
Stars: Colin Farrell, Chik-Ka Lai, Alan K. Chang
In an act of pure desperation, Doyle's only apparent way out of this black hole is the game of baccarat. It quickly becomes evident that he suffers from a serious gambling addiction, convinced that one big win will solve all his problems. His biggest problem, however, is a lack of funds. Then enters Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a Chinese creditor willing to finance Doyle's gambling, although she too harbors some secrets. There's a hint of chemistry between the two, but like many elements in Ballad of a Small Player, it's never explored in depth.
As if Doyle's life wasn't bad enough already, along comes Cynthia (Tilda Swinton), a private investigator sent by clients from the UK. It's painfully obvious that her character exists primarily to provide exposition and fill in Doyle's backstory, revealing the series of scams that have funded his lifestyle up to this point. While Swinton is impeccable whenever she appears on screen, it's ultimately a supporting role that feels unnecessary, beyond adding a little more danger and context to Doyle's situation.
Undoubtedly, Ballad of a Small Player is strongest in its first third. The introduction of Doyle and the portrayal of a devastating gambling addiction make for an important and timely story that may remind those in similar circumstances that they are not alone. Having gone through something similar myself when I was younger, it's moving to see that experience reflected on the big screen. Unfortunately, once other plotlines are introduced, many of them feel underdeveloped or like mere filler. As a result, the film drags, and despite running under two hours, it ultimately feels considerably longer.
There are elements, besides the exploration of gambling, that are truly admirable in Ballad of a Small Player. Visually, it's stunning and a feast for the eyes. The bright lights and neon hues of Macau are transcendent on screen, creating shots of breathtaking composition. At the same time, they take on an unsettling, almost hellish quality for anyone who has suffered at the hands of the global conglomerates that dominate the gambling landscape. Cinematographer James Friend deserves major credit for making everything feel so immersive.
Colin Farrell, as an upper-class English gentleman in his vibrant and colorful suits, is a joy to watch. He takes the material and elevates it to another level. Having been in that situation myself, gambling away every last penny, the pain and desperation reflected on Farrell's face feel completely authentic. It's a truly enjoyable performance, and even when the film falters, you can always appreciate what he brings to the screen.
However, despite there being much to admire, the overall feeling is that everything that happens after the first acts loses its way considerably. The script feels weak, offering little for the audience to connect with, and the pacing is uneven, like a rollercoaster with a big drop before everything else grinds to a halt. When a story is based on such relevant and relatable material, it's surprising how little it manages to convey in a fresh or meaningful way.
Certainly, in theory, Ballad of a Small Player has all the necessary elements to be an exciting and intense project, one that, given Berger's track record, could have been among the most memorable films of the year. Instead, it ends up feeling superficial, degenerating into a dull and unremarkable story that will be forgotten almost immediately. Considering Berger's recent string of successes, it stands out as one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
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