Netflix’s new psychological thriller based on a “dark-hearted masterpiece” confirms release date

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Netflix has revealed that the upcoming psychological thriller featuring Colin Farrell as a gambler will be available for viewing this fall.

Titled “The Ballad of a Small Player,” the film directed by Edward Berger is based on the 2014 novel of the same title by Lawrence Osborne, originally penned by its author.

In simple terms, the movie will hit cinemas across the UK and Ireland starting from October 17th. After that, it will become accessible for streaming at home on Netflix, starting from October 29th.

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Rowan Joffe wrote the screenplay for the movie, adapting what has been called a “masterful work with a dark core” for the big screen.

The Ballad of a Small Player” is a chilling, cynical masterpiece: a haunting ghost story unfolding in the realm of the living, and an extravagant cautionary tale about a Faustian bargain struck, not with the devil, but with the unpredictable grasp of fortune. This is the gist of the book’s summary.

Currently, it’s announced that Farrell will play the role of the gambler main character in the movie version. This character decides to escape to Macau from the UK as a means to avoid trouble, but destiny leads him to cross paths with someone similar, who presents him with a hint of redemption.

The cast also features Tilda Swinton, Fala Chen, Deannie Yip and Alex Jennings.

Netflix unveiled some initial photos from the movie, showcasing Farrell amidst the glittering cityscape at night.

In a separate scene, the thoughtful character is seated at a green table, surrounded by tall stacks of chips. In a new setting, he appears in a different attire and demeanor, seeming to receive guidance from Fala Chen’s character who leans over towards him in another shot.

The stunning visuals are thanks to the work of cinematographer James Friend, who is working with Berger for the second time.

In their initial collaboration, the movie director and the cinematographer worked together on the critically acclaimed German war film titled “All Quiet on the Western Front“, a project that eventually won Friend an Academy Award for Outstanding Cinematography.

The film earned a grand total of nine Academy Award nominations, triumphing in the categories of Best International Film, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.

Beginning on the 17th of October, “The Ballad of a Small Player” graces the screens of cinemas across the UK and Ireland. From the 29th of October, you’ll find it streaming conveniently on Netflix.

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2025-07-17 21:19