Shifting the setting from the dim chambers of the Vatican in last year’s Conclave (MVFF47) to the shimmering decadence of Macau’s four-star casinos, director Edward Berger once again displays his singular ability to represent the grand sweep of human aspiration, avarice, and desire on screen. Colin Farrell gives an incendiary performance as Lord Doyle, a high-rolling lowlife addicted to high-stakes baccarat. Upwardly mobile but down on his luck, all he needs is that “one big win”. And he’ll risk everything—and everyone—on that next bet. Enter “Betty” (get it?) Grayson, a slightly dowdy private investigator (Tilda Swinton, hilariously divine!) and Doyle’s jig is up. Or is it? With a strong supporting cast (Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, and Alex Jennings), Berger is firing on all cylinders in this breathless adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s best-selling novel. And be sure not to miss the closing credit surprise—it’s a big winner! —K.D. Davis
2025 MIND THE GAP CREATION PRIZE HONORABLE MENTION
Edward Berger
Edward Berger is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His film Jack (2014) earned three German Academy Award nominations, winning the Silver for Best Picture. His eight-part television series Deutschland ’83 (2015) won Best International Drama at Séries Mania, an International Emmy, and a Peabody Award. Berger directed Showtime’s Patrick Melrose (2018), which earned five Primetime Emmy nominations and four BAFTAs, including Best Limited Series. His film All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) won seven BAFTAs and four Academy Awards®, including the Best International Feature Oscar®, while Conclave (2024) received four BAFTA awards and eight Oscar nominations.
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