Colin Farrell is set to lead the cast in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s novel, The Ballad of a Small Player, with acclaimed director Edward Berger attached. The film, set in the gambling casinos of Macau, follows a disgraced British lawyer named Lord Doyle, and is expected to debut this fall.
Edward Berger to Direct Netflix’s Casino Thriller Featuring Colin Farrell
Edward Berger, fresh from the success of 2024’s Oscar-nominated psychological thriller Conclave, will direct the adaptation of Osborne’s novel. Farrell takes on the role of Lord Doyle, a high-stakes gambler burdened by his past debts, navigating the shadowy world of Macau’s casinos. The screenplay is crafted by Rowan Joffe, known for his work on 28 Weeks Later.
Netflix has already revealed glimpses of Farrell portraying the English con man in Macau’s bustling streets. The cast further includes Oscar winner Tilda Swinton, Emmy-nominated Farrell co-star Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and others, adding depth to the ensemble. Berger’s proven ability to deliver gripping psychological dramas bodes well for this adaptation’s tension and complexity.
The Film’s Prospects in the Upcoming Awards Season
Scheduled for a mid-October release in select U.S. theaters, The Ballad of a Small Player aims to capitalize on the prime fall window favored by awards contenders. This timing corresponds with major film festival circuits such as Venice and Toronto, both of which often boost a film’s awards visibility. Berger’s previous releases, including All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, also premiered in the fall and earned critical acclaim and multiple Oscar wins.
Berger’s track record suggests that this Netflix adaptation could join his earlier films as a strong awards candidate. While the final impact depends heavily on the film’s quality, the combination of a compelling story, Farrell’s intense lead performance, and Berger’s direction offers a promising outlook for industry recognition.
The collaboration between Farrell and Berger reunites an actor known for nuanced roles with a director noted for crafting layered thrillers, raising expectations for a gripping cinematic experience. Fans of psychological thrillers and award season hopefuls alike will be watching closely as The Ballad of a Small Player approaches its release.
“Considering Berger has already delivered one of the most notable thrillers of 2024, which explored the moral dilemmas and political maneuvering in the wake of a papal election, there’s little to doubt about Berger’s adaptation.”
—Variety
