Molly’s Game tells the incredible true story of a former champion skier—who, after a terrible injury forces her retirement, goes on to create one of the most lucrative underground poker empires in the world.

image via youtube

Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) was raised to be successful. Her strict father (Kevin Costner) drives her to become both highly educated and to rise to nearly the pinnacle of competitive skiing. But, her successes are never enough.

When trying to qualify for the winter Olympics, a branch separates her ski from her foot on the final run, causing her to fall terribly. This freak accident didn’t just cause her to miss her chance, but to also lose her entire sense of purpose.

In a bid to find a new life for herself, she moves in with a friend in LA. Before she knows it, an odd job turns very unusual, when her boss has her host illegal poker nights on his behalf. Enjoying the generous tips and paying close attention, Bloom seizes her opportunity to create her own poker game when her boss’s intense demands push her too far.

It’s a bold move, and one that gives her a lot of wealth and power—but, it’s also illegal, and places this fierce young woman in the line of gambling addicts, mobsters and, eventually, the FBI.

Molly’s Game is Aaron Sorkin’s first directorial effort, and like his writing, it’s sharp and quick-witted. Assisted by an incredible performance from Chastain, and Idris Elba as her ethical lawyer, this unusual story packs some serious punch.

Kevin Costner is cast equally well, and he delivers the complexities of imperfection with such believability, it’s impressive.

Molly’s Game is the fast-paced story of Molly Bloom, who went from Olympic hopeful to the woman the tabloids dubbed as the Poker Princess. As a film, it isn’t just fascinating—it’s emotive, and surprisingly good.

video via youtube

Director: Aaron Sorkin

Stars: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner

Runtime: 2hours 20mins

Release Date: 25 January

Rating: M

Reviewer Rating: 3.5/5

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