Colin Farrell is back in the spotlight with Ballad of a Small Player, a psychological thriller directed by Conclave creator Edward Berger. Netflix just dropped the official trailer, giving audiences the first look at Collin Farrell’s most unhinged role yet.
The trailer features a slowed-down version of the disco classic More, More, More by Andrea True Connection. It follows Farrell’s character spiraling through Macau’s glittering but dangerous underworld. The movie is already generating awards buzz ahead of its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ballad of a Small Player.
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What Is the Ballad of a Small Player About?
Based on Lawrence Osborne’s novel, the movie follows Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a former British lawyer. He escapes to Macau under a false identity after financial misconduct. He spends his days in luxury hotels and casinos, gambling with what is left of his money and sanity. Doyle’s world starts to unravel when he receives a tempting offer from Dao Ming, a reserved casino employee.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Blithe, a private investigator played by Tilda Swinton, is tracking him across the city. As their paths intertwine, Doyle begins to confront the damage he has caused (via Variety). Watch the trailer here:
The trailer shows multiple scenes featuring Farrell in a downward spiral. He’s gambling, sitting on the floor of a shower, and screaming during a card game. One scene features Doyle leaping off a hotel roof, signaling a psychological collapse.
Ballad of a Small Player Release Schedule
Ballad of a Small Player will make its world premiere at TIFF in September 2025. It will then screen at the Zurich Film Festival on September 27, where Colin Farrell will receive the Golden Icon Award.
Netflix will release the movie in select U.S. theaters on October 15, followed by a U.K. and Ireland theatrical release on October 17. The movie will debut globally on Netflix on October 29. The release strategy positions it as a contender in the upcoming awards season.
Who Is in The Cast of Ballad of a Small Player?
Colin Farrell leads the cast as Lord Doyle. Fala Chen portrays Dao Ming, a mysterious casino worker. Tilda Swinton plays Cynthia Blithe, the investigator determined to expose Doyle’s secrets.
The movie also features Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings in supporting roles. It is directed by Edward Berger, known for All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. Berger reunites with his Oscar-winning team, including cinematographer James Friend and composer Volker Bertelmann. The screenplay is adapted by Rowan Joffé.
| Movie Name | Director | Cast | Release Date |
| Ballad of a Small Player | Conclave creator Edward Berger | Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Tilda Swinton, Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings. | World premiere at TIFF in September 2025, selected theatrical release on October 17, and Netflix premiere on October 29, 2025. |
With a tense narrative, acclaimed cast, and award-winning director, Ballad of a Small Player is poised to make a major impact this fall. As Colin Farrell descends into the loop of debt and deceit, can he escape, or is it already too late?
Are you ready to take a gamble on Ballad of a Small Player this fall? Let us know your thoughts. Follow for more updates on Colin Farrell’s Ballad of a Small Player.
Ballad of a Small Player will make its world premiere at TIFF in September 2025, followed by a selected theatrical release on October 17. It will be available to stream globally on October 29, 2025, on Netflix (US).
