The new film by Edward Berger, Bad Luck, premiered on October 30 on Netflix and is quickly capturing the audience’s attention. Starring Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a British gambler beset by debts, the film is a thriller that explores the complex relationship between gambling, guilt, and the quest for redemption.
A Colin Farrell in a state of grace
In this story, Farrell embodies a con artist who moves between extreme luxury and the despair brought on by his addiction. The dazzling casino scenes contrast with the mental and emotional deterioration of his character, reflecting an oppressive atmosphere similar to Berger’s proposals in All Quiet on the Western Front. This visual duality is accompanied by vibrant photography that transforms each environment into a space where splendor hides loneliness and misery.
The plot thickens when Lord Doyle meets Dao Ming, played by Fala Chen, a hotel employee who, despite their apparent differences, shares a deep connection with him. This human encounter provides a necessary counterpoint amid his struggle against chaos. Additionally, Tilda Swinton appears as Cynthia Blithe, an enigmatic woman who pursues Doyle for reasons that remain shrouded in mystery.
Through a changing rhythm, Berger establishes a narrative where Farrell’s arrogance and vulnerability intertwine, offering a remarkable performance that sustains the storyline, even in moments of dreamlike ambiguity. With Bad Luck, the director continues to explore worlds where the desire to escape confronts the harsh reality of personal failure, thus consolidating his aesthetic ambition in this intense thriller.
