The humid Macau air hangs heavy as Lord Doyle, a man drowning in debt and running from a shadowy past, enters the glittering Royale Casino. The baccarat tables hum with anticipation, a symphony of whispered bets and desperate hopes. It’s here, amidst the high stakes and extravagant displays of wealth, that he sees her: Dao Ming, an enigmatic woman whose eyes hold secrets as deep as the ocean surrounding the island. He is instantly captivated, drawn into her orbit even as Cynthia Blithe, a sharp and observant observer of the casino’s underbelly, watches their interactions with a knowing gaze. A casual encounter soon escalates into a dangerous game, complicated further by the looming presence of Mr. Huang, a man connected to Doyle’s past, who’s arrival signals that escape may be impossible. Even Grandma, with her silent bodyguard detail, seems to have vested interest in the unfolding drama. The stakes are raised, and Doyle must decide if his fascination is worth the deadly price.

Table of Contents
ToggleBallad of a Small Player Movie Overview
| Title | Ballad of a Small Player |
|---|---|
| Release Status | Released |
| Release Date | 2025-10-15 |
| Runtime | 1 hours and 41 minutes |
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama |
| Original Language | En |
| Spoken Language | English |
| Country | Germany, United Kingdom |
| Production Co. | Good Chaos, Stigma Films, Nine Hours |
Ballad of a Small Player Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Colin Farrell | Lord Doyle |
| Fala Chen | Dao Ming |
| Tilda Swinton | Cynthia Blithe |
| Deanie Ip | Grandma |
| Alex Jennings | Adrian Lippett |
| Jason Tobin | Mr. Huang |
| Adrienne Lau | Casino Manager |
| Anthony Wong Chau-Sang | Alfred da Souza |
| Jessica Lai | Royale Casino Receptionist |
| Margaret Cheung | Royale Casino Assistant Manager |
| Alan K. Chang | Bellman Kai |
| Selena Fong | Rainbow Casino Croupier |
| Christina Yong | Rainbow Casino Waitress |
| Suen Tsz-Wai | Grandma Bodyguard |
| Suki Wong | Young Widow |
| Kwok Wai-Yan | Cab Driver |
| Willy Wong | Limousine Driver |
Ballad of a Small Player Movie Storyline
In the dazzling, high-stakes world of Macau’s casinos, Lord Doyle, a charismatic but debt-ridden gambler portrayed by Colin Farrell, arrives seeking refuge from his past. Haunted by losses and pursued by dangerous creditors, Doyle finds himself drawn to the enigmatic Dao Ming, played by Fala Chen, a mesmerizing woman who dominates the baccarat tables with an almost supernatural intuition. As Doyle becomes entangled in Dao Ming’s world, he discovers she is also running from something, a powerful secret that could put both of them in mortal danger. Their connection deepens amidst the opulent casinos and shadowy back alleys, attracting the attention of Cynthia Blithe, a shrewd and observant high-roller portrayed by Tilda Swinton, whose motivations remain unclear. Cynthia seems to know more than she lets on, and her presence creates a web of suspicion around Doyle and Dao Ming’s increasingly complicated relationship. Alfred da Souza, a local triad leader played by Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, emerges as a looming threat, his interest in Dao Ming’s secret turning Doyle’s desperate flight into a perilous game of cat and mouse. Ultimately, Doyle must decide whether to gamble everything on Dao Ming, facing down his pursuers and Alfred’s ruthless ambition, or succumb to the mounting pressure and lose everything he holds dear, including the chance at a genuine connection in a world built on deceit.
Ballad of a Small Player Movie Details
In the mesmerizing thriller, *Ballad of a Small Player*, directed by Edward Berger, Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell), a sharp but down-on-his-luck gambler haunted by a shadowy past and crippling debts, seeks refuge amidst the opulent and dangerous casinos of Macau. Fleeing from his troubles, he finds himself drawn to the high-stakes baccarat tables, where he encounters the enigmatic and alluring Dao Ming (Fala Chen). Her mysterious aura and uncanny ability to win captivate Doyle, igniting a dangerous obsession. As Doyle delves deeper into Macau’s underbelly, attempting to uncover Dao’s secrets, he crosses paths with the formidable Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), a seasoned player with her own agenda, and faces off against Adrian Lippett (Alex Jennings). Doyle finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, crime, and passion where the line between hunter and hunted blurs. With his life and soul on the line, Doyle must decide if his fascination with Dao is worth the ultimate gamble, even as the city’s dazzling facade conceals a dark and treacherous reality. The movie explores themes of fate, redemption, and the seductive nature of risk against the backdrop of Macau’s glittering, high-stakes world.
Ballad of a Small Player Movie Poster Images




Ballad of a Small Player Movie Trailers
Tilda Swinton shares stories from the set
Official Trailer
Ballad of a Small Player Movie FAQs
What is the movie “Ballad of a Small Player” about?
It’s about a gambler running from his past and debts in Macau who becomes fascinated by an enigmatic woman at the baccarat table.
What genres does “Ballad of a Small Player” belong to?
The movie is a mix of Mystery, Thriller, Crime, and Drama.
Who are the main actors in “Ballad of a Small Player”?
The movie stars Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, and Tilda Swinton.
Who directed “Ballad of a Small Player”?
Edward Berger directed the movie.
When was “Ballad of a Small Player” released?
The release date for “Ballad of a Small Player” is October 15, 2025.
What is the runtime of “Ballad of a Small Player”?
The movie has a runtime of 101 minutes.
Where can I watch “Ballad of a Small Player”?
The movie is available on Netflix.
What countries produced “Ballad of a Small Player”?
The movie was produced in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Is “Ballad of a Small Player” suitable for all audiences?
The movie is rated as not for adults (false -adult) , indicating it is generally suitable for a broad audience though parents should still review content.
What is the average rating of “Ballad of a Small Player”?
The movie has an average rating of 6.5 based on 47 votes.



