Reap what you sow.|Sep. 03, 2021|United Kingdom | China | United States|109 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Mystery;Thriller
Description: William Tell shares his philosophy on gambling and explains his expertise in card counting. He prefers to bet small and maintain a low profile, valuing an anonymous life. He briefly mentions his eight-year stay in a military prison but avoids discussing his crimes. William also has a peculiar habit of wrapping his motel room furniture in sheets and securing them with twine.
While at a casino, William encounters La Linda, a familiar face from the gambling scene. She manages a stable of investors who support gamblers in exchange for a share of their winnings. She offers to back William, but he declines. Later, in Atlantic City, William attends a security seminar led by Major John Gordo but quickly leaves. On his way out, a young man named Cirk slips him a note with his contact information.
After experiencing a nightmare about a prison torture camp, William decides to call Cirk, and the two meet. Cirk reveals that he knows William’s true identity as Pfc William Tellig, a soldier convicted for his involvement in the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal. Cirk’s father, who also served at Abu Ghraib, became violent due to his experiences, leading to his eventual suicide. Cirk blames Gordo for his father’s suffering and seeks revenge, asking William to join him in capturing, torturing, and killing Gordo. William refuses but offers to take Cirk with him as he travels and gambles, hoping to steer him away from a violent path.
At their next destination, William approaches La Linda, expressing interest in an arrangement. He shares his plan to participate in the World Series of Poker, aiming to win enough money to settle Cirk’s debts and help him start anew. William intends to play for a maximum of one year before returning to his quiet, anonymous life. During the tournament, he wins several matches but ultimately loses to Mr. USA, a boastful Ukrainian player.
Cast director: Paul Schrader
Cast actor: Oscar Isaac, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Slaughter, Amye Gousset, Joel Michaely, Ekaterina Baker, Alexander Babara, Alireza Mirmontazeri
Original name: The Card Counter