Poker Writer
Apple TV+ will release a new film, “Down to the Felt,” on Oct. 17, adding to the growing library of notable poker movies.
The film, set in Columbus, Ohio, follows a chronic gambler named Paul, played by Michael Stahl-David. His life spirals out of control, which forces him to make contact with a hitman played by Michael Weston. The movie is pitched as an action thriller set with a two-week ultimatum.
Director Jon Osbeck described the film’s emotional hook:
I’ve always been drawn to stories about redemption – about people who’ve taken hits in life but refuse to fold. ‘Down to the Felt’ came from a desire to explore what happens when you’re all-in emotionally, not just at the poker table.
The official trailer sets the stage. Paul tells the hitman to kill him in two weeks so his family can collect insurance money. The final two weeks of his life will presumably revolve around his relationship with gambling, as the trailer shows a montage of chips at casino table games. The trailer shows table games more so than poker, but one scene does hint at some poker involvement.
Hawk Hill Pictures will distribute the film to a wide release.
Other Poker Movies
The movie world has a long and mixed history with the game of poker. Many film depictions show the game playing in a bit role, such as the famous poker scene in “Casino Royale.” But, there have been a few movies over the years where poker was the focus. Here are a few favorites from the past 30 years.
‘Rounders’
The classic poker movie from 1998 that is still quoted by players to this day. Starring Matt Damon and Ed Norton, this movie is often cited as the quintessential poker movie. Rounders depicts the world of illegal underground poker on the East Coast. It also features World Series of Poker great Johnny Chan in a memorable cameo role. There are several dated references in the year 2025, such as “dreaming of the Mirage” which no longer exists as a casino in Las Vegas.
‘Molly’s Game’
This 2017 movie also explores illegal underground poker in New York City. It is based on a true story told in the memoir by Molly Bloom and centers on an FBI investigation into mafia-run games in the 2000s. It features a character meant to be a stand-in for actor Tobey Maguire, who was involved in the operation.
Poker takes center stage in this movie, with several scenes showing cash game play. Characters use a good amount of poker terms, including one where a player notably goes on tilt.
‘Mississippi Grind’
A 2015 movie that stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, Mississippi Grind features poker as well as general casino gambling. It is a film that starkly depicts gambling addiction, by showing the characters getting deeper and deeper into trouble against their better judgement. It is set in small casinos around Missouri along the Mississippi river. The characters road trip down to a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans.
‘The Card Counter’
One of the most recent poker movies, “The Card Counter” stars Oscar Isaacs and Tiffany Haddish. While the main focus of the movie is on the damaged psyche of the main character, there is a lot of poker as well.
This movie shows the best depiction of small scale U.S. poker tournaments. It features a side character called “Mr. U.S.A.” who travels the WSOP Circuit winning tournaments with a big personality and a shtick he takes on while playing poker. The character calls to mind real-life WSOP circuit grinders.
