Netflix and director Edward Berger have dropped the first official images for Ballad of a Small Player, as well as a limited theatrical release and streaming date, kicking off the lead-up to the film. The psychological thriller, adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel by Rowan Joffé for the screen, will debut in select theaters in the U.S. on October 15, followed by worldwide streaming availability on Netflix on October 29. The first-look photos, seen below, showcase star Colin Farrell drenched in neon hues, indicating the film’s visual style. From gambling tables to lonely, smoke-filled hotel rooms, the imagery teases a noir-inspired thriller that aligns with the 2014 novel’s both intimate and grand scope, brought to life by the visionary director.

The story follows Lord Doyle (Farrell), a high-rolling British gambler whose life is unraveling among the chaotic glamor of Macau’s casino circuit. When Doyle encounters a mysterious compatriot, his desperate bid for redemption quickly spirals into obsession, danger, and an unsettling dive into the psyche of a man who has run out of luck. As Netflix describes the film, “When his past and his debts start to catch up with him, Doyle encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation.”

Edward Berger Brings a Neon-Soaked Edge to Netflix’s 2025 Slate

Joining Farrell in the film is an ensemble cast that includes Fala Chen (The Undoing), Deanie Ip (A Simple Life), Alex Jennings (The Crown), and Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton). With its moody aesthetic and tense narrative, the film is already shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated prestige thrillers of the year. Berger shared the new images on Instagram earlier today after Netflix shared them earlier this week, marking the first official glimpse at his follow-up to the critically acclaimed All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. While that film was rooted in gritty historical realism, Ballad of a Small Player promises a more stylized, psychological approach, with the director reuniting with director of photography James Friend and composer Volker Bertelmann to craft an atmospheric world that brings the novel to life.

As the October release date draws closer, expect a full trailer that digs deeper into Berger’s vision for the live-action adaptation. For now, the neon-soaked and moody images are more than enough to set the tone for what audiences can expect in just a couple of months when the film hits theaters and Netflix.