The vibrant lights of Macao’s nightlife, the lure of gambling, mounting debts, despair, and a flicker of hope for redemption: these are the hallmarks of the new psychological thriller starring Colin Farrell. Netflix’s Ballad of a Small Player, directed by acclaimed Austrian filmmaker Edward Berger – who also directed Conclave, the 2025 Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay – promises an intense, immersive story brimming with suspense and unforgettable characters.
Prepare for a deep dive into the dark corners of the human mind, portrayed with striking visuals, immersive soundscapes, and raw, authentic drama. Ballad of a Small Player promises to captivate both fans of psychological thrillers and lovers of thought-provoking, art-house cinema. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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Ballad of a Small Player – all the key details
- Title: Ballad of a Small Player
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama
- Countries of Production: United Kingdom, Germany
- Original Language: English
- Year of Production / Release: 2025
- Duration: Approximately 100 minutes
- Director and Screenplay: Edward Berger (director), Rowan Joffé (screenplay)
- Main Cast: Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Tilda Swinton, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings
- Production: Good Chaos, Nine Hours, Stigma Films for Netflix
The plot
Based on Lawrence Osborne’s novel of the same name, Ballad of a Small Player stars Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a British gambler hiding out in Macao, weighed down by crushing debt and teetering on the edge of collapse. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the enigmatic Dao Ming, who may hold the key to his redemption. Meanwhile, private detective Cynthia Blithe keeps a close watch on him. This gripping psychological thriller delves into themes of addiction, isolation, and the razor-thin line between salvation and self-destruction.
The cast
At the center of the story is Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, supported by Fala Chen as Dao Ming and Tilda Swinton as the private detective. Farrell started as an Irish teen idol and is now considered one of the most refined actors of his generation. His notable films include In Bruges (2008), The Lobster (2015), The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), Minority Report (2002), and The Batman (2022).
Tilda Swinton, born 1960, androgynous, experimental and iconic in art-house cinema as well as visual arts, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (2008) for Michael Clayton. Her key films include Orlando (1992), We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), Suspiria (2018), and The Eternal Daughter (2022).
The cast also includes Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and others. Cinematography is by Oscar winner James Friend, while the soundtrack is composed by Volker Bertelmann, known for his distinctive orchestral style.
What to expect from the film
Ballad of a Small Player marks the return of director Edward Berger following his acclaimed works All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave: this time, he delivers a psychological thriller with striking visual impact. The trailer captivates with evocative, dialogue-free images that immerses viewers in the tense and chaotic world of gambling – a mix of exhilaration and suspense that feels like a modern Western.
An intense, atmospheric story that impresses both through Farrell’s compelling performance and Berger’s masterful direction.
When to watch it on Netflix
The film, released in theaters in October 19, is available on Netflix starting October 29, 2025 ► WATCH ON NETFLIX
