Currently mesmerizing audiences at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, Ballad of a Small Player stands out as a psychological thriller with an intoxicating visual and emotional pulse. Directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s acclaimed novel, the film explores the shadowy world of Macau’s casinos through characters driven by loss, chance, and metaphysical intrigue.
Synopsis | Ballad of a Small Player
In Ballad of a Small Player, Colin Farrell stars as Lord Doyle, a con man whose fortunes are dwindling in the labyrinthine casinos of Macau. Doyle spends his nights drinking and gambling away his last reserves, all while struggling to escape mounting debts. Salvation appears in Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a casino employee with secrets of her own. But hope is soon threatened by Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), a relentless private investigator ready to force Doyle to confront whatever he’s running from. The city’s alluring and spectral atmosphere blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion, making Doyle’s quest both thrilling and haunting.
The film is further enriched by supporting performances from Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings, bringing depth to Berger’s vision of a world where luck, fate, and personal demons intertwine.
Movie Trailer
What to Expect
Ballad of a Small Player offers a hypnotic blend of ghost story and psychological drama, anchored by a deeply nuanced lead performance from Colin Farrell, who has been recognized with accolades at multiple film festivals. Tilda Swinton’s enigmatic turn as Cynthia Blithe adds another layer of intrigue, challenging the boundaries of reality and conscience.
Berger’s direction leads viewers through themes of fate, deception, addiction, and redemption, building toward a haunting cinematic experience.
The film has already earned critical acclaim, winning Golden Icon and Spotlight Actor Awards for Farrell at the Zurich and Middleburg Film Festivals, and earning a Best Film nomination at San Sebastián.
Other Details
Film Title: Ballad of a Small Player
Director: Edward Berger
Screenplay: Rowan Joffé (based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne)
Producers: Mike Goodridge, Edward Berger, Matthew James Wilkinson
Cast: Colin Farrell (Lord Doyle), Fala Chen (Dao Ming), Tilda Swinton (Cynthia Blithe), Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama
Language: English
Filming Locations: Macau, Hong Kong
Release Dates: World Premiere at Telluride (August 29, 2025); US Theatrical Release (October 15, 2025); UK Theatrical Release (October 17, 2025); Netflix Streaming (October 29, 2025)
Festival Screenings: BFI London, Telluride, Toronto (Special Presentations), San Sebastián, Zurich, Middleburg
Festival Accolades: Zurich Golden Icon Award (Colin Farrell, winner), Middleburg Spotlight Actor Award (Colin Farrell, winner), San Sebastián Best Film nominee
Music Composer: Volker Bertelmann
