Molly's Game is an energised directorial debut from the best of the best when it comes to screenplay writing.

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2018)

Aaron Sorkin. The master, the legend, the myth...! He has devised some of the best scripts that film has to offer, it was only a matter of time before he puts down the pen and picks up a camera. He played his cards at creating a biopic on Molly Bloom, a professional skier whom, after an accident, becomes embroiled in the rich and dangerous lifestyle of hosting private poker games. An array of wealthy billionaires, movie stars, sports legends and even professional poker players were the competitors during Molly's hosted games. This is frenetically paced, I could feel the energy surging from the script to the characters. Instantaneously the film starts, rather frantically I must say. Bombarded with narration, quick cuts and an assortment of images to illustrate Molly's life before the poker games. Found it slightly too jarring with too much information being assimilated in a short amount of time. But once the title smashed its way on screen, I was in. My mind was ready and I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is a meticulously crafted biopic integrating three different timelines of Molly's life: her childhood detailing the difficult bond with her father, when she was running the poker games and how she got herself involved and finally two years later when the FBI warrant for her arrest. The consistent switching of these pivotal moments in her life keeps the pacing rapid and feeling fresh. The script is sharp, concise with a sarcastic undertone where the characters just bounce off each other like a beautiful game of tennis. Jessica Chastain, again, proves she is one of the best actresses working today. She controlled every scene just from her presence...that's without her even speaking a word of Sorkin's poetry-like script. Idris Elba also shines with a particular outstanding scene defending Molly against the prosecutors. Some of the scene transitions felt basic, consisting of just fading to black. But what an accomplished debut! Very enjoyable.