If you’ve been following the "Farrell-aissance" lately, you know Colin Farrell has a knack for picking projects that make you feel like you need a shower and a therapy session afterward. Honestly, his latest film, Ballad of a Small Player, is no exception. It’s a neon-soaked, high-stakes psychological thriller that just hit Netflix, and let’s just say the internet is having thoughts.
Directed by Edward Berger—the guy who recently gave us the heart-pounding All Quiet on the Western Front and the Vatican-drama Conclave—this movie is a far cry from the caped crusades of The Penguin. It’s sweaty. It’s desperate. And it features Farrell as "Lord Doyle," a man who’s essentially a walking, talking gambling debt in a velvet suit.
What is Ballad of a Small Player actually about?
The movie is adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel. Basically, Farrell plays a British con man/gambler who has fled to Macau to hide from his past and a mountain of debt. He calls himself Lord Doyle, but as we find out (surprisingly early if you watched the trailer), his real name is Mr. Reilly. He’s a thief who stole from an old woman back home, and now he’s trying to win his soul back—or at least enough cash to stay alive—at the baccarat tables.
It’s a bit of a slow burn. Some critics have called it "style over substance," and with a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes as of early 2026, it’s definitely divisive. But man, it looks incredible. James Friend, the cinematographer who won an Oscar for All Quiet, makes the casinos of Macau look like a beautiful, gold-plated purgatory.
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The Cast: Who's in the mix?
Farrell isn't carrying the bag alone here. He's joined by some serious heavy hitters:
- Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe: A private investigator who is hunting Doyle down. She’s essentially the "cat" to his "mouse," though the movie takes its sweet time actually letting them cross paths.
- Fala Chen as Dao Ming: A casino employee who becomes a sort of spiritual lifeline for Doyle.
- Alex Jennings and Deanie Ip fill out the supporting roles, adding to the film’s eerie, "ghost story" vibe.
Why are people so split on it?
The main beef people have with Ballad of a Small Player is the pacing. If you’re expecting a fast-paced heist movie or a John Wick style thriller, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s much more of a character study about addiction.
One big point of contention? The trailer. Netflix marketed this thing as a propulsive, 24-hour race against time. In reality, the film spends a lot of time in Doyle's head, dealing with hallucinations and "hungry ghosts." It feels more like a spiritual journey than a crime caper.
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Then there's the "twist." Without giving too much away, the third act takes some big swings toward the supernatural. For some, it’s a bold creative choice that highlights the madness of addiction. For others, it’s a confounding mess that doesn’t quite land the plane.
Colin Farrell’s 2026: The Year of the "L" or a Bold Pivot?
It’s been a weird year for Farrell. Before Ballad of a Small Player hit Netflix in late 2025, he had a major box office stumble with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Despite starring alongside Margot Robbie and being directed by the acclaimed Kogonada, that romantic fantasy film was a certified "bomb," making only about $20 million against a $45 million budget.
So, is he in trouble? Not really. Even in his "flops," Farrell is being praised. His performance as Lord Doyle is being called "all-in" and "visceral." He’s doing that thing where he looks like he hasn’t slept in three weeks, and frankly, nobody does "unraveling" better than him.
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What's next for the Irish star?
If you're not vibing with his recent film work, don't worry—the small screen is still his playground.
- Sugar Season 2: Apple TV+ has officially renewed the sci-fi neo-noir. We’re going to see more of John Sugar (who, reminder, is an alien) searching for his sister in Los Angeles.
- The Penguin Season 2?: This one is "maybe." Farrell has gone on record saying he’d "bet against it," mostly because the makeup process is such a nightmare. However, with The Batman Part II slated for 2027, the "powers that be" are still trying to find a story that justifies another season.
- Awards Buzz: Despite the mixed reviews for the film itself, Farrell picked up the Golden Icon Award at the Zurich Film Festival recently. The industry still loves him, even if the box office doesn't always reflect it.
The Verdict on Ballad of a Small Player
Should you watch it? If you like Edward Berger’s visual style and you’re a fan of Farrell’s more "eccentric" performances (think The Lobster or The Banshees of Inisherin), then yes. It’s a mood piece. It’s about the "sensorial experience" of losing everything.
But if you’re looking for a tight plot and a satisfying, "Hollywood" ending, you might want to skip it and just re-watch The Penguin.
Next steps for fans:
- Check out the book: Lawrence Osborne’s The Ballad of a Small Player is arguably a tighter experience if you want to understand the lore of the "hungry ghosts" in Macau.
- Watch for the score: Volker Bertelmann’s music in the film is genuinely haunting and worth a listen on its own.
- Track the "Sugar" updates: Keep an eye on Apple TV+ announcements for the Season 2 premiere date, which is expected to be a major 2026 event.