Watch Molly's Game

Molly's Game tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-level skier who becomes involved in the world of underground poker. The film begins with a dramatic opening scene in which Bloom (played by Jessica Chastain) narrowly avoids serious injury in a skiing accident, setting the tone for the high-stakes world she will soon enter.

After the accident forces her to retire from skiing, Bloom moves to Los Angeles where she takes a job as an assistant to a real estate developer. One of her duties involves organizing a weekly poker game for her boss and his wealthy friends. When Bloom is let go from her job, she decides to start her own poker game, drawing in an A-list clientele of celebrities, athletes, and business tycoons. The stakes are high and the adrenaline is even higher as Bloom becomes a master at running the game.

However, Bloom's life takes a turn when she becomes involved with the Russian mafia, who demand a cut of her profits. When she refuses, they threaten her, leading her to seek the legal assistance of Charlie Jaffey (played by Idris Elba), a lawyer who sees something in Bloom beyond what the tabloids have painted her as. He convinces her to help him bring down the Russian mafia, while also dealing with her own past mistakes and personal demons.

Throughout the film, we see Bloom struggle with her relationship with her father (played by Kevin Costner), who was a demanding and harsh coach during her skiing days. She grapples with the pressure to succeed and the fear of failure, which ultimately allowed her to become the queen of high-stakes poker but also led to her downward spiral.

Molly's Game is a thrilling, fast-paced drama that takes the audience into the world of underground poker and the difficulties that can come with it. The film is anchored by strong performances from its cast, particularly Chastain, who embodies Bloom's confidence and vulnerability in equal measure. Elba also shines as Jaffey, who serves as both a foil and a mentor to Bloom as she navigates the legal system.

What sets Molly's Game apart from other similar films is its focus on the complexity of Bloom's character rather than just the glitz and glamour of the poker world. The film explores themes of ambition, family, and redemption, while also showcasing the power dynamics at play in the world of high-stakes gambling. It's a story of a woman who rose to the top of her game but ultimately had to reckon with the consequences of her actions.

Overall, Molly's Game is a thrilling biopic powered by strong performances and a compelling story that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. It's a movie that raises questions about the cost of success and the importance of personal relationships, while also delivering a thrilling and entertaining ride.

Molly's Game is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 71.