Very Well directed and written film with one great performance.

Rating: 8/10 (19 January 2018)

Going into this film I was completely unaware of the story of Molly Bloom, so I didn't have an expectations really apart from a really interesting trailer. Wow is this film deep and powerful look into a relatively unknown culture to ordinary working people.
When you hear that Aaron Sorkin, one of the best writers around today, is going to be directing a feature film you should probably bookmark the film and see it. Well not only can we call him a great writer but also a very good director. This film is beautifully shot and made with an intriguing story, that is woven in and out of multiple story lines that all connect in there own individual way. A fantastic method of telling a story that....lets face it... is extraordinary from start to finish, the life that Molly Bloom had even at young age let alone her adult years is a truly remarkable story. Being on the edge of an Olympics in a winter sport to then end up being prosecuted for hosting illegal poker games, what an insane journey. The changes in time throughout the film work really well especially with the voice over from Chastain as Bloom, taking the audience along with her. All round fantastic writing and directing from Sorkin!
Now Ive personally been saying for some time that Jessica Chastain will be one of the best actresses around, and this film only reaffirms by believe in her talent, what a performance. I do think this is her best performance of her career, yes better than Zero Dark Thirty, she is fantastic in the film. She embodies the character of Bloom so well that you quickly forget that its Chastain, her acting is brilliant. She should even get some awards buzz for this because yes it is that good!
A shot out should definitely go to Idris Elba, who is an extremely underrated actor that absolutely doesn't get the roles he deserves. He is brilliant as the at first reluctant lawyer who ends up defending Bloom until she gets justice, brings a sense of normality to the film, as if he was one of the audience members or just a regular guy. Elba goes toe to toe with Chastain in the scenes that they are in and they compliment each other extremely well. There is one standout scene of his late on the film where is trying to express his reasons as to why he thinks Bloom is not guilty, very good and powerful speech.
Overall this film is very good 80% out of 100 or 8 out of 10, Fantastic directing and writing from Aaron Sorkin, with a standout performance from Jessica Chastain. Not to forget Idris Elba's supporting role as well which also really strong, the only weak point of the film is the pacing which is a little slow but you should expect that from Sorkin. Also the middle of the film is really slow and a bit uneventful.... if thats the right word, they are small gripes with the film. Apart from that is it extremely interesting to watch with an incredible story about a truly incredible life.