The Card Counter is one of those films that takes you on a complex psychological journey Its not just a gambling film but it goes much deeper delving into ideas of guilt punishment and second chances The film is directed by Paul Schrader known for his films that focus on characters with strong internal conflicts.
The story revolves around William Tell a professional poker player with a unique style but who lives in isolation due to his mysterious past From the beginning you sense that there's something heavy inside him regret or a big secret that only he knows about He tries to escape his past by focusing on the cards but as we see gambling isn't just a game its a reflection of life itself.
The atmosphere in the film is gloomy and everything revolves around William who despite his skill at counting cards and winning money feels empty Things change when he meets a young man named Kirk Tye Sheridan who has issues with someone from Williams past Here the film takes a different direction between a desire for revenge and redemption.
The films cinematography creates a sense of isolation and monotony which is perfectly suited to the characters nature who always appears calm but is engulfed in a storm of repressed emotions Oscar Isaacs acting was powerful conveying the idea that a person can appear calm on the outside but be filled with internal conflict.
Although the film is about gambling its not a casino movie in the traditional sense its more like a psychological study of a lost person trying to find meaning in his life The ending is unconventional leaving the viewer pondering the fates of the characters If you enjoy films with psychological depth that don't rely on fast paced action and suspense then The Card Counter will be a unique experience for you.
