The Card Counter 2021

In the world of high-stakes gambling, William Tell (William Tell) has perfected a subtle yet effective strategy: small bets, modest wins, and an unwavering commitment to anonymity. After eight years of honing his craft in military prison, Tell’s philosophy is one of understated persistence, avoiding both the allure of fame and the unwanted attention of casino security. His nomadic lifestyle is characterized by two trusty suitcases, a string of motel rooms devoid of decor, and an unyielding dedication to simplicity.

As he navigates the familiar terrain of a Las Vegas casino, Tell encounters La Linda, a seasoned gambler with ties to the underground world. She proposes a partnership, but Tell declines, unwilling to be bound by the responsibilities that come with her offer. Instead, he slips into the shadows, leaving behind a trail of modest winnings and unremarkable losses.

In Atlantic City, the convergence of a security-industry convention and a casino creates an opportunity for Tell to blend in with the crowd. He attends a seminar led by retired Major John Gordo (no actor name provided), but his discomfort prompts him to make a hasty exit. As he departs, he’s confronted by Cirk Baufort, a young man driven by a burning desire for revenge.

Cirk reveals that he knows Tell’s true identity: William Tillich, a former soldier who was convicted of his role in the Abu Ghraib atrocities and served time in prison. Cirk’s own family has been ravaged by the trauma inflicted upon them at the hands of Roger Baufort, a man once trained in enhanced interrogation techniques by Gordo himself. The young man seeks Tell’s assistance in exacting revenge on Gordo, who avoided accountability for his role in the scandal.

Tell is torn between his aversion to violence and his empathy for Cirk’s plight. He refuses to join forces with the young man, but offers an alternative: accompany him as he gambles, and together they’ll navigate the treacherous landscape of high-stakes betting. In doing so, Tell hopes to guide Cirk away from a life defined by hatred and violence, and towards a path marked by redemption and self-discovery.

As Tell’s next destination looms on the horizon, he discreetly informs La Linda of his intention to forge an arrangement. The purpose behind this plan is revealed: Tell seeks to win big in the World Series of Poker tour, accumulating enough wealth to help Cirk settle his debts and start anew, paving the way for Tell’s own retirement from the high-stakes game. Early matches at the WSOP yield mixed results, with Tell initially raking in profits only to be outmaneuvered by Mr. USA, a brash Ukrainian player who has adopted a bombastic American persona. As he navigates the world of professional poker, Tell forges bonds with Cirk and finds himself increasingly drawn to La Linda’s charms, yet he remains cautious about getting too close.

Tell’s travels take him to Panama City for a qualifying round, where Cirk confides in his plan to eliminate Gordo once and for all. Tell responds by whisking Cirk away to their motel, adopting a stern, interrogator-like demeanor as he confronts the younger man. With $150,000 from his poker winnings, Tell presents Cirk with an offer: use this sum to pay off his and his mother’s debts, return to college, and leave Gordo in the past. The ultimatum is clear: comply, or face consequences. Cirk departs with the money, leaving Tell to continue his own journey on the WSOP circuit.

As Tell advances to the final table, he begins a romantic relationship with La Linda, but their intimacy is soon disrupted by a message from an unexpected source - Cirk himself. The news sends Tell reeling: rather than returning home, Cirk has chosen to confront Gordo at his doorstep, only to find that Gordo had already taken care of the armed intruder posing as the threat. Tell’s unease grows as he watches the news report, and his concentration falters during a resumed match. Abruptly, he abandons the casino floor, leaving behind the game and its trappings.

Tell embarks on a solo drive through the night, blanketing Gordo’s house with a similar level of meticulousness that characterized his own motel rooms. Upon arrival, he finds Gordo at home and takes him into custody, revealing his true identity and the purpose behind his visit. In a shocking turn, Tell spares Gordo’s life and instead invites him to participate in a “dramatic reenactment” of their shared experience at Abu Ghraib. The two men are heard screaming in agony as they relive the trauma, and eventually, Tell emerges from the room severely wounded.

In his desperation, Tell calls the police to report a homicide, leading to his eventual incarceration in the same military prison where he once spent time. La Linda visits him during his stay, and the two connect through their shared pain, each placing a single finger on the glass separating them as they reach out to one another.