Film Review

‘Ballad of a Small Player’: A Sharp Indictment of Gambling

Colin Farrell gives it his all and then some as a too far-gone gaming addict living in Macau.
‘Ballad of a Small Player’: A Sharp Indictment of Gambling
Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell), in "Ballad of a Small Player." Netflix
Michael Clark
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R | 1h 41m | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | 2025

“Ballad of a Small Player,” a mostly brilliant examination of the many downsides of compulsive and addictive gambling, resembles at various points “Rounders,” “21,” “Molly’s Game,” “Casino,” “Uncut Gems,” multiple James Bond flicks, and “The Sopranos” episode “The Happy Wanderer.”

Michael Clark
Michael Clark
Author
Originally from the nation's capital, Michael Clark has provided film content to over 30 print and online media outlets. He co-founded the Atlanta Film Critics Circle in 2017 and is a weekly contributor to the Shannon Burke Show on FloridaManRadio.com. Since 1995, Clark has written over 5,000 movie reviews and film-related articles. He favors dark comedy, thrillers, and documentaries.