‘Ballad of a Small Player’ requires audiences gamble 101 minutes for an uncertain payout

By Teagan Warren

Edward Berger, the director of “Ballad of a Small Player,” is known for other films on my watchlist including, “All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022) and “Conclave” (2024). Most recently, he presented a stunning, detailed filming style in his film adaptation of the book “The Ballad of a Small Player.”

At the time of review, this film was ranked number six in movies today on Netflix. It depicts a man who calls himself Lord Doyle as he stays in a fancy hotel, drinks and gambles at the casino in Macau. He meets two ladies, one of whom is a Chinese credit broker named Dao Ming, played by Fala Chen. She feels a strong connection to him when she meets him at the casino. The other woman is named Blithe, played by Tilda Swinton, an investigator seeking to bring him to justice for past embezzlement crimes. Chaos ensues as Lord Doyle gambles his time, money and life in a series of supernatural bets. Lord Doyle, as with many gamblers, is a morally complex character. He presents himself in a very extravagant manner, giving himself a royal name and insisting that the good-luck gloves he wears were quality crafted in Savile Row (later revealed to be made in China). Irish actor Colin Farrell excellently portrays the feigned calm, but deeply emotional, Lord Doyle.

As a warning to viewers, this film does discuss suicide often, a few times showing Lord Doyle imagining himself jumping off a building. Throughout the film, tension stems from the fact that suicide is a common contemplation for the characters, so the audience is never sure who will make it through.

The other two main characters in the film are Dao Ming and Blithe. Because the purpose of the film is unclear, the characters’ presence lacks weight, as if they are just another part of the film’s interesting visuals. Dao Ming plays the role of the sort of love interest of Lord Doyle, but Blithe does to a lesser extent also. Confused? So am I.

Backstories that would have been key to character-driven stories are mostly absent here. There are some vague discussions about the past, but they do not particularly stick with the viewer.

There is not much of a common thread with which to piece together the movie. Favorite scenes come to mind but not the context of them. The film did not have a particular takeaway theme. What was the film trying to say? In a sense, watching the film did not feel too different from watching the trailer because of the aimless wandering vibe.

“Ballad of a Small Player” is an art film through and through, so the average viewer may find it absurdly confusing. The film is more emotion-focused and visually-focused than plot-driven. As can come with this genre, much interpretation is involved on the part of the viewer to understand the progression of the film. Even with this progression, one could argue that the writing is lacking. However, on another level, one could also argue that such an artistic film simply opens itself to multiple meanings and is purposefully left ambiguous to focus on leaving the audience with a feeling.    

Visually, the film is undeniably stunning and detailed. Casual viewers who are confused by the plot may appreciate the film better when focusing on the strength of the film: its visual design. I was struck by the film’s beautiful visuals, especially a particular scene depicting Lord Doyle walking closer to the camera through a row of lockers. The scene perfectly brings into focus the sweat on his forehead, which emphasizes the anxiety he feels.

In essence, I liked looking at the movie, but I don’t know if I enjoyed it as a whole. The beautiful, interesting camera work captivates the audience. Yet, chances are, if asked to explain the structure of the plot, little could be offered. Despite this, Lord Doyle fascinates the viewer with his surprising delicacy, which intriguingly merges with his crazed demeanor. To get a better idea of whether I enjoy “Ballad of a Small Player,” I think I need to give it a rewatch. Or multiple…

“Ballad of a Small Player” is now streaming on Netflix.

Teagan Warren is a senior psychology major. When not panicking about her lack of post-graduation plans, she enjoys thrifting and people watching.

Images courtesy of Good Chaos, Nine Hours and Stigma Films.