Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about Ballad of a Small Player (2025) — from its premiere date and global streaming availability to the full cast lineup. This guide also covers how and where to watch the movie online from anywhere in the world, whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or any of the 190+ countries where Netflix is available.
Ballad of a Small Player (2025) Synopsis
Ballad of a Small Player follows Lord Doyle, a fallen gambler hiding in Macau. Broke, desperate, and drowning in regret, Doyle spends his nights chasing luck on the casino floors. When he meets Dao Ming, a quiet yet captivating casino employee with her own secrets, their fates intertwine in unexpected ways. But their fragile bond is tested when Cynthia Blithe, a determined private investigator, tracks Doyle down, ready to expose his past. As reality begins to slip away, Doyle spirals into a dreamlike battle for his soul. This psychological thriller combines mystery, crime, and drama, exploring obsession, guilt, and the illusion of control. It’s an intimate study of how far a man will go to rewrite his own destiny.
When does Ballad of a Small Player premiere?
Ballad of a Small Player premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025. It opened in select U.S. theaters on October 15, 2025, reached the U.K. on October 17, 2025, and began streaming worldwide on Netflix on October 29, 2025.
Ballad of a Small Player Cast
- Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle
- Fala Chen as Dao Ming
- Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe
- Deanie Ip as Grandma
- Alex Jennings as Adrian Lippett
- Alan K. Chang as Bellman Kai
- Margaret Cheung as Royale Casino Assistant Manager
- Jason Tobin as Mr. Huang
Where to Watch Ballad of a Small Player
As of October 29, 2025, you can stream Ballad of a Small Player exclusively on Netflix. The film is available in several regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Subscribers in these countries can watch the full movie in high definition on the official Netflix app or website, accessible across smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers.
What age rating does Ballad of a Small Player have?
It is rated R due to strong language, gambling themes, and suicide content.
Critics:
Ballad of a Small Player has received mixed reviews from critics. The film is widely praised for its visually stunning cinematography and Colin Farrell’s powerful performance. However, some reviewers note that while it’s stylish and atmospheric, the story feels overly polished and emotionally distant, lacking the depth of director Edward Berger’s previous works.
Is there a way to watch Ballad of a Small Player online for free?
No, Ballad of a Small Player is a Netflix original movie and cannot be watched for free. To stream the film, you’ll need an active Netflix subscription, which gives you full access to the movie in high-quality streaming on any supported device.
Can I Download Ballad of a Small Player for Offline Viewing?
Yes, Ballad of a Small Player (2025) is available for offline viewing on supported mobile phones and tablets through the official Netflix app. Subscribers can download the movie directly to their device and watch it anytime, even without an internet connection.
Devices You Can Use to Watch Netflix:
| Device Type | Examples | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic | Netflix is pre-installed or available for download on most modern smart TVs. |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast | Easily connect to your TV and stream Netflix in HD or 4K quality. |
| Smartphones & Tablets | iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android devices | Watch or download movies via the official Netflix app for on-the-go viewing. |
| Computers & Laptops | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS | Stream directly on the Netflix website using popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. |
| Gaming Consoles | PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S | Download the Netflix app and stream movies in full HD or 4K. |
| Set-Top Boxes | Sky Q, Virgin Media, Dish TV, Airtel Xstream | Access Netflix directly through your TV provider’s integrated menu. |
Ballad of a Small Player Trailer
FAQs
- Who directed Ballad of a Small Player?
The film was directed by Edward Berger. - Is Ballad of a Small Player based on a book?
Yes – it’s adapted from the 2014 novel The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne. - How long is Ballad of a Small Player?
The runtime is approximately 101–102 minutes. - Where was Ballad of a Small Player filmed?
Principal photography took place in Macau and Hong Kong in 2024.
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