Netflix's upcoming psychological thriller starring Colin Farrell in the role of a gambler has announced an autumn release date.
Titled The Ballad of a Small Player, the movie from Conclave director Edward Berger is an adaptation of the 2014 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne.
Netflix confirmed the film will have a cinema release in the UK and Ireland from 17 October. It will then land on the streamer, where it will be available to watch at home from 29 October.
Rowan Joffe penned the script of the film, translating what's been hailed as a "dark-hearted masterpiece" for the screen.
"The Ballad of a Small Player is a sleek, dark-hearted masterpiece: a ghost story set in the land of the living, and a decadent morality tale of a Faustian pact made, not with the devil, but with fortune's fickle hand," the book's synopsis reads.
Related: Colin Farrell set for second DC role in Luca Guadagnino's Sgt Rock
What to Read Next
Now, Farrell will portray the gambler protagonist for the film adaptation. The character flees the UK for Macau in a bid to lay low but fate puts a kindred spirit on his path, offering him a glimpse of salvation.
The cast also features Tilda Swinton, Fala Chen, Deannie Yip and Alex Jennings.
Netflix has also shared some first-look images of the film, featuring Farrell standing across the city lights in a stunning night shot.
In another still, the pensive character is at the green table with towers of chips in front of him. Still at the green table but in a different outfit and mood, he's seemingly advised by Fala Chen's character leaning over to him in another shot.
Related: UK film release dates
The impressive visuals are courtesy of cinematographer James Friend, in his second collaboration with Berger.
The filmmaker and the director of photography first teamed up on acclaimed German war drama All Quiet on the Western Front, which earned Friend an Oscar for Best Cinematography.
The movie received a total of nine Oscar nominations, also winning for Best International Feature Film, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
The Ballad of a Small Player releases in UK and Irish cinemas on 17 October. It will start streaming on Netflix from 29 October.
Digital Spy's new print issue is here! Buy Oasis - Live in '25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
