A gambler's quest for redemption is haunted by a military past
In short: In Paul Schrader's 2021 drama, a former soldier uses card counting to fund a new life. But as he navigates the high-stakes world of the World Series of Poker, he discovers that some debts—and the ghosts of
The film follows William Tell, a U.S. veteran who learned to count cards during an eight-year stint in a military prison. Tell lives a life of extreme asceticism to avoid detection by casino authorities; he stays exclusively in motels, where he strips the furniture of all decor and covers it in plain sheets secured with twine. His gambling philosophy is intentionally modest, aiming to win just enough to remain under the radar.
Tell's real name, PFC William Tillich, is disclosed by Cirk Baufort, a man who identifies him as a soldier sentenced for participating in the Abu Ghraib prisoner mistreatment. The film explores the cycle of trauma, as Cirk seeks to murder Major John Gordo—a civilian consultant who trained Tillich in "enhanced interrogation techniques." Tell initially refuses to help, but eventually agrees to take Cirk along on the World Series of Poker tour, hoping to win enough money to help the young man escape a violent life.
The story serves as a heavy moral inquiry into responsibility. While Tell attempts to provide a path out for Cirk, he is ultimately forced to confront his own history. The film culminates in a brutal "dramatic reenactment" of the torture Tell once participated in, leading to his re-incarceration. The movie is viewed by some as a symbol of the United States' difficulty in moving past its darkest mistakes, showcasing how historical deeds continue to impact today.
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