The Netflix psychological thriller, adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel, stars Colin Farrell as a gambler haunted by his past.
Colin Farrell Stars in Edward Berger’s New Netflix Thriller “The Ballad of a Small Player”
Edward Berger, best known for his directing work on the acclaimed Conclave, returns with The Ballad of a Small Player, a Netflix adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel.
The psychological thriller is written by Rowan Joffé, whose previous credits include Before I Go to Sleep and Brighton Rock.
The Ballad of a Small Player follows Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell), a high-stakes gambler drowning in debt and alcohol. Hiding out in Macau, he spends his nights on casino floors, wagering away what remains of his fortune. His life takes an unexpected turn when Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a mysterious casino employee, offers him a way out.
Meanwhile, private investigator Cynthia Blithe is on his trail, determined to expose the truth Doyle is running from. As the lines between illusion and reality blur, Doyle faces his reckoning in a desperate bid for redemption.
The film, which has already earned a Best Film nomination, features a strong supporting cast including Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Selena Fong, Ellie Law, Christina Yong, Suki Wong, Tyler Holland, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton.
Produced by Mike Goodridge, Edward Berger, and Matthew James Wilkinson, the film is backed by Good Chaos, Nine Hours, and Stigma Films in collaboration with Netflix, which also handles distribution.
The Ballad of a Small Player will premiere on Netflix on October 29, 2025.