The Card Counter movie review

Movie Title: The Card Counter

Grade: 6/10   (

Rating: R

Running Time: 1 Hour 49 Minutes

In A Nutshell

The Card Counter is a 2021 film directed by Paul Schrader. The cast and crew managed to finish the movie just as lockdown and social distancing restrictions were being imposed in 2020. Schrader explains that many of the essential scenes in the movie were shot within a span of five days – no small feat for any film.

The movie is centered on William Tell. He is played by Oscar Isaac, whose most notable role to the current generation is Poe Dameron in the sci-fi series Star Wars. A traumatized military vet, Tell taught himself how to count cards while in military prison. Since his release, Tell has been making the rounds at casinos, making sure to keep his winnings modest to avoid suspicion.

The movie gets its title from Tell’s ability to count cards. For those unfamiliar with this prohibited skill, it’s a bit similar to calculating poker odds. This is a tactic used by pros to assess how to bet based on the possible outcome of the game. Through this, they weigh their probability of winning and choose whether to continue adding to the pot or folding. This often involves mental math as people have to speedily calculate odds in real-time. Fortunately for Tell, his military training and intellect allow him to do this successfully.

Together with one of his acquaintances, La Linda, Tell uses his skills to count cards to qualify for the World Series of Poker (WSOP ). Unfortunately for Tell, his time playing and vying for the Main Event at the WSOP becomes intertwined with his growing relationship with La Linda and a vengeful murder plot.

Things I Liked

There’s no denying that The Card Counter carries markers of quality cinematography. It also creates a brooding atmosphere that takes cues from virtual reality and renaissance paintings. There are scenes that try to be as immersive as possible, treating the camera as another character rather than a filming device. The color palette as well tries to convey the sense of framing and intensity needed for a film as tense as this one.

Aside from Oscar Isaac, the movie boasts a star-studded cast with the likes of Willem Dafoe, Tiffany Haddish, and Tye Sheridan. All of these actors have made a name for themselves in their own rights, earning respect and acclaim within different genres. This shows in the film as the characters truly feel like real people, making for a great viewer experience.

Things I Didn’t Like

Due to the subject matter of the movie, The Card Counter isn’t really for a younger audience. For parents that like to watch films with their family, there will be sexual and violent portions of the movie that are best left for adult viewers.

The plot is also more mature in comparison to more family-friendly movies. Young ones might not be able to connect with or even understand the plot anyways. If parents were to watch it, it is best to do so with the less impressionable older members of the family.

Notable Lines

“Poker is all about waiting. Hours pass. Days pass. Hand after hand, each hand like the hand before. Then something happens.”

“This is how it starts. Just a fleeting thought – a daydream. Then it builds and builds.”

“Is there an end to punishment? Is there a limit to the amount of effort it takes to merit expiation? Is it possible to know when one reaches the limit?”

“The body remembers. It stores it all.”

Tips For Parents

As mentioned earlier, it isn’t ideal to watch this movie with the whole family. Instead, it is best to watch it with other adults who will be able to better appreciate the film. If, however, a parent chooses to watch it with their young ones, they should be ready to explain certain themes and situations. In this way, they will not confuse reality and fantasy.