Ballad of a Small Player review – Colin Farrell seeks redemption in Edward Berger’s high-stakes gambling yarn

The GuardianWednesday, October 15, 2025 at 12:00:35 PM
Ballad of a Small Player review – Colin Farrell seeks redemption in Edward Berger’s high-stakes gambling yarn
In 'Ballad of a Small Player', Colin Farrell delivers a compelling performance as a gambling addict seeking redemption. Directed by Edward Berger, the film explores themes of debt and existential crisis, set against the backdrop of luxurious yet empty hotels. Farrell's character, self-styled as 'Lord Doyle', faces a pivotal moment where he must decide whether to risk everything on a single bet for a chance at salvation. This film matters as it delves into the psychological struggles of addiction and the quest for meaning in a high-stakes world.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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