Gala

Ballad of a Small Player

Set in Macau, this hypnotic blend of ghost story and psychological thriller is a visually alluring and emotionally charged odyssey from the director of Conclave.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director

    Edward Berger

  • Screenwriter

    Rowan Joffe

  • With

    Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Tilda Swinton, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings

  • UK 2025. 104min

  • Courtesy of

    Netflix

  • Languages

    English, Cantonese

    With English subtitles

Access information

Audio description:
Thursday 9 October 18:00
Friday 10 October 14:45
Sunday 12 October 12:35

Descriptive subtitles:
Friday 10 October 14:45
Sunday 12 October 12:35

Closed Captions (CC) via WatchWord smart glasses:
Thursday 9 October 18:00

Intro / Q&A Live captioned:
Thursday 9 October 18:00

Find out about booking access tickets

Introduction

Edward Berger’s intoxicating adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s thrilling 2014 gambling caper features mesmerising turns by Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton. It chronicles the unpredictable journey of con man Lord Doyle, who becomes lost in the labyrinthine allure of a city. Berger deftly probes the metaphysical undercurrents of chance and the fragile architecture of the human psyche, threading both through the high-stakes world of baccarat.

Hyun Jin Cho

Content warning

Contains flashing images.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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