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Colin Farrell’s Ballad of a Small Player Surges on Netflix Despite Mixed Reviews

The Macau-set adaptation has expanded its reach after a brief theatrical run.

Overview

  • The film hit Netflix on October 29 and quickly climbed the streamer’s charts, reaching number two globally and charting in 86 countries, according to FlixPatrol data reported by outlets.
  • In the United States, it debuted at number seven on the Netflix movies chart as it gained momentum with viewers.
  • Critical reception remains divided, with Rotten Tomatoes listings around the 50% mark as reviewers praise the visuals and Colin Farrell’s performance but fault the screenplay and storytelling.
  • Edward Berger’s drama follows a debt-laden gambler in Macau whose encounters, including with a mysterious casino worker, unfold with understated, ambiguous supernatural overtones rather than conventional horror.
  • Adapted by Rowan Joffé from Lawrence Osborne’s novel, the production showcases James Friend’s cinematography and Volker Bertelmann’s score and followed a limited theatrical release on October 15.