A new film arrived on streaming this week, and it’s sparking conversation across social media as viewers weigh in on what turns out to be a visually stunning but narratively divisive experience. Directed by Edward Berger, the adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel—itself hailed as a “masterpiece”—features a script by Rowan Joffé, known for his work on films like 28 WEEKS LATER and THE AMERICAN. At its center is Colin Farrell, delivering what many are calling an intensely captivating performance as a professional gambler known as Lord Doyle, a man spiraling through his days in Macao’s neon-lit gambling paradise, drowning in alcohol and debt until a mysterious kindred spirit appears, offering what might be his only chance at redemption.
Berger brings his signature visual artistry to the project, collaborating once again with cinematographer James Friend to create what’s undeniably a feast for the eyes—vibrant colors and neon-drenched frames that capture the intoxicating atmosphere of Macao’s streets and decadent casinos. The German director has built a reputation for transforming literary works into powerful cinema, with the Oscar-winning ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT and CONCLAVE among his recent triumphs. Farrell, an Oscar-nominated actor celebrated for his work in IN BRUGES and THE PENGUIN, proves magnetic in the role, inhabiting Lord Doyle with an intensity that many viewers cite as the film’s primary draw.
Social media reactions have been enthusiastic about certain elements, with viewers praising what they see as brilliant storytelling and performances. One viewer posted that the film delivered “brilliant story, brilliant acting and great music. A must watch!” while another noted that “the main draw for this one will be the amazingly intense performance of Colin Farrell. The story did hold my interest and the Macau backdrop was beautiful. Very well made film overall.” Yet the critical reception tells a more complicated story, reflected in its 50 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics have found themselves caught between admiration for the film’s stunning visual craft and Farrell’s compelling work, and frustration with what they perceive as narrative shortcomings. THE GUARDIAN awarded it three stars, while THE NEW YORK TIMES suggested it “contains a great story, but it’s bogged down by its trappings.” Perhaps most damning, THE IRISH INDEPENDENT described how the story “builds and builds before fizzling out in dreary, underwhelming fashion,” pointing to a fundamental disconnect between the film’s atmospheric promise and its ultimate delivery. What emerges is a film that dazzles the eye and showcases a powerhouse performance, yet struggles to fully realize the dramatic potential of its source material, leaving audiences divided over whether its artistry compensates for its storytelling stumbles.
Pierce Brosnan trades his 007 tuxedo for raw, devastating drama in CURTAIN CALL—arriving on digital November 10.
Starring opposite Jessica Lange, Brosnan continues his brilliant pivot from action hero to serious character actor, exploring the heartbreaking reality of dementia in the theatre world.
Watch trailer on irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s latest is dividing audiences, but everyone agrees on one thing: his performance is absolutely magnetic ✨
The Oscar-nominated Irish actor stars as Lord Doyle, a spiraling gambler in neon-soaked Macao searching for redemption.
Don`t miss Farrell at his destructive best, now on @netflix!
Daniel Day-Lewis is BACK and we`re not ready for how devastating ANEMONE is 😭
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ANEMONE is now on Prime!
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The Irish star trades blows with Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo in this high-stakes crime thriller, playing Orman, a thief whose methods are as disturbing as they are effective. With Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) closing in and rival criminal Davis (Hemsworth) in his way, this heist is about to get messy.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell had to choose between a guaranteed paycheck on a hit TV show and a one-in-a-million shot at Hollywood, everyone told him he was insane. His friends said don`t do it. His family couldn`t understand it. He did it anyway.
Now in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (in select UK/Ireland cinemas Oct 17, Netflix Oct 29), he plays a man who understands risk better than anyone. Because Farrell`s been there. He bet everything on himself when he had nothing, and that decision changed everything.
Sometimes the craziest move is the only one worth making. 🎬
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott`s hot streak continues 🔥
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The film hits theaters Friday, more at irishfilmtv.com.
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
🔥 The feud that stopped a nation.
SAIPAN brings the explosive 2002 World Cup confrontation between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy to the big screen—and it`s not about football glory, it`s about ego, standards, and two men whose rivalry became bigger than the game itself.
Watch the new trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
Pierce Brosnan is trading martinis for mountains.
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
Brendan Gleeson is bringing all the feels in H IS FOR HAWK 🎬🦅
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix`s BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER has an amazing new trailer!
Colin Farrell plays an Irish fugitive hiding in Macau`s neon underworld as "Lord Doyle," gambling desperately to outrun his past.
The film opens in theaters Oct. 15 and starts streaming Oct. 29 on Netflix.
Watch now via link in bio.
Saoirse Ronan is heading back to the `60s! 🎸
The four-time Oscar nominee is reportedly set to play Linda McCartney in Sam Mendes` wildly ambitious THE BEATLES project—four separate films, each following a different Beatle.
She`ll star opposite Paul Mescal (her FOE co-star) as Paul McCartney, with Barry Keoghan as Ringo, Joseph Quinn as George, and Harris Dickinson as John.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian Murphy just confirmed THE IMMORTAL MAN drops in 2026 and Tommy Shelby is coming back with a vengeance. 🔥
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Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
Graham Norton isn`t going anywhere!
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian Murphy isn`t chasing blockbusters—he`s back in the classroom.
The Irish actor`s latest role in Netflix`s STEVE sees him playing a struggling teacher at a last-chance reform school, proving once again that he`s more interested in transformation than validation.
Watch Cillian`s TODAY interview via link in bio.
