Watch The Bet

The Bet is a 2020 drama-thriller film that features a star-studded cast, including Natasha Little, Douglas Hodge, Colin Salmon, and several others. The film is directed by Joan Carr-Wiggin and written by her and her collaborator, Lynne Renee Maxcy. The movie tells the story of a well-known and successful writer named Perry (played by Douglas Hodge), who has been experiencing a long and frustrating writer's block. In an attempt to break free from this rut, Perry makes a bet with his friend, the wealthy and influential banker, Bernard (played by Colin Salmon). Perry bets Bernard that he can write a best-selling novel within 24 hours, using only the first line and the last line of a random book Bernard picks up from the shelf.

Bernard starts the clock as Perry begins to work tirelessly, fueled by coffee and cigarettes, attempting to complete the task at hand. However, as time passes, Perry begins to unravel, and the pressure and stress of the bet take their toll on him. The story unfolds in real-time, as we witness Perry's struggles in trying to turn his idea into a best-seller within the given time, and the psychological twists and turns that come with it.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Perry's wife, Desi (played by Natasha Little), who is going through her own personal and professional struggles. She runs a shelter for abused women and children, which is in dire need of financial assistance to keep going. Desi is a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable at the same time, and her story becomes intertwined with Perry's as the movie progresses.

The Bet is a tense, psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering if Perry will be able to complete his challenge or if the pressure will become too much for him. The movie explores themes of ambition, obsession, and betrayal, as well as the cost of success and the sacrifices we make to achieve it.

The performances of the cast are stellar, with Natasha Little giving a standout performance as Desi, a woman who is determined to make a difference in the world despite the obstacles in her path. Colin Salmon is also excellent as the charismatic and manipulative Bernard, who is willing to do whatever it takes to win the bet.

Douglas Hodge is impressive as Perry, portraying the character's struggle with writer's block and his desperation to break free from it convincingly. The unfolding of his mental state throughout the movie is both gripping and at times unsettling.

Overall, The Bet is a well-crafted film that combines excellent performances, a taut script, and skilled direction to create a gripping and thrilling movie experience. It is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition and success that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

The Bet is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0.