Molly’s Game, Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, is a tale of ambition, power, and the consequences of forgoing morals for success, and ultimately the story of Molly’s struggles and perseverance.
Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) is a former Olympian turned entrepreneur running underground poker games, attracting high-status clients. The film charts her rise and fall, with the framing device of Molly in the present and her legal struggles in the fallout of her poker empire.
Chastain is mesmerising, portraying Molly Bloom’s charm, allure, and intelligence with nuance and depth. She oozes confidence in the male-dominated space she occupies before her hubris and naivety get the better of her, and she’s embroiled in a web of corruption and criminal activity.
Molly’s descent is portrayed with authenticity and vulnerability by Chastain, and it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her as her situation worsens and she becomes more desperate.
Beneath Molly’s polished and sexy exterior, lies a woman grappling with her own insecurities and demons. Through flashbacks to her childhood, we see her relationship with her father and the high expectations put on her as an Olympic skier.
Beyond the central performance, Molly’s Game is a masterclass in storytelling. Aaron Sorkin creates a sharp and dynamic screenplay that reads like a modern Macbeth, with Molly’s pride and ambition eventually outshining her allure and intelligence.
Sorkin’s famed rapid-style dialogue creates a fast-paced and exciting movie that keeps you engaged from start to finish. As a directorial debut, it’s impressively a sleek, stylish and visually stunning movie that stands out amongst other biopics.
Molly’s Game is a riveting and thought-provoking film that offers more than just a glimpse into the allusive world of underground poker. It’s a seducing movie serving as a cautionary tale about the price of ambition and power. With powerhouse performances, sharp writing, and stylish direction, Molly’s Game is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a compelling drama with a moral punch.
