Watch The Table

The Table is a 2011 independent drama film directed by Mark Hefti. The movie follows a group of friends who gather at a coffee shop, and having a conversation about various things going on in their lives, before heading to a poker game that one of them is hosting. The film explores the characters' relationships, their struggles, and their motivations as they sit around the table and play poker.

At the center of the film is a young man named Chris, played by Robert Amico, who is hosting the poker game. Chris is a professional poker player who has made a name for himself in the underground gambling scene. However, he is also struggling with addiction and has recently lost his girlfriend to his addiction.

The other characters in the film include Chris's friend, Tommy, played by Seth Derek Aronson, who is a recovering addict and struggling to stay clean. William Balch plays Mark, a married man who is having an affair with one of his coworkers. Finally, Richard Basch plays Peter, a philosophical barista who has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend.

The film is a slow burn, with the first half being mostly dialogue and character development. The poker game doesn't start until about halfway through the film, but the anticipation leading up to the game is palpable. The dialogue is smart and natural, and the actors give strong performances, making each character feel fully realized and believable.

Once the poker game begins, the tension ramps up as the players start to bet high and their true personalities come out. Chris is trying to win big to pay off his gambling debts, while Tommy is trying to prove to himself that he can resist the temptation of drugs and gambling. Mark is trying to hide his affair from his wife, and Peter is trying to navigate his complicated feelings for his ex-girlfriend.

The game itself is filmed in a way that makes it feel intense and suspenseful. The camera zooms in on the chips and the cards, and the sound design emphasizes the clinking of chips and the shuffling of cards. As the hands play out, the characters' emotions run high, making for a thrilling viewing experience.

There are a few twists and turns in the second half of the film that keep the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the game. Without giving anything away, the ending is satisfying and makes sense in the context of the characters' motivations and personalities.

Overall, The Table is a well-acted, well-written drama that explores themes of addiction, friendship, and the human condition. The pacing may be slow for some viewers, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a satisfying and emotional conclusion.