I'm a big fan of Farrell, and he didn’t disappoint here. He plays a gambler drowning in his own compulsions and over-the-top lifestyle, trying to claw his way back to redemption for past screw-ups... and he pulls it off with real weight and grit. But the rest of the film just doesn’t keep up. The production feels cheap, the pacing drags, and at times it’s like the movie is hoping Farrell’s performance alone will distract you from the cracks. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Can be summed up in one word. ..Meh. 1 hr 42 and when it ended you wonder what the hell did you just watched.

Not really sure what point the movie was making in the end, but it sure looked pretty

Director Edward Berger has already demonstrated his style with "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Conclave." However, his latest film, "Ballad of a Small Player," lacks substance. Colin Farrell deliversa truly outstanding performance, and the film looks fantastic. But the story of a notorious gambler is far too superficial to be captivating. And all of the excess quickly becomes monotonous and, in some moments, appears pretentious. For me, there was never a sense of suspense. I believe the film is still worth seeing for its stunning visuals, but hope Berger chooses a more intriguing story next time.

Some films revolve around ruin, while others watch it unfold with a mix of fascination and sorrow. Ballad of a Small Player —released in Spain as Maldita suerte— belongs to both. Edward Berger takes us to a hypnotic Macao of neon lights and endless roulette spins, where Colin Farrell plays a gambler trying to escape himself. He’s superb: weary, ironic, and carrying the kind of melancholy only those who’ve lost too much can understand. The film moves with the rhythm of an elegant hangover. It’s not about grand gestures, but about the quiet tremor of someone who’s risked it all and keeps playing anyway. Berger directs with confidence, though at times he leans more toward style than substance. Even so, there’s something hypnotic—almost poetic—in the way he frames addiction as a limbo between life and disappearance. Tilda Swinton, as a sharp, unflappable detective, brings the necessary balance: calm, grounded, incisive. Her presence anchors the story and prevents the visual fever from collapsing under its own weight. Fala Chen adds a mysterious, dreamlike quality that makes the film’s tone even more ethereal. Not everything works—some stretches feel uneven or too deliberate—but the result lingers thanks to its atmosphere. It’s a journey through decadence and emotional ruin, where glances often say more than words. Ballad of a Small Player is a story about losing, but also about the stubbornness to keep playing. Because sometimes, being human isn’t about winning—it’s about daring to bet again.