Mississippi Grind 2015
Directed by
Anna Boden
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
The film begins with Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) engrossed in listening to a captivating recording about poker ‘tells’ as he prepares to enter a high-stakes poker tournament at a flashy casino. Soon, he crosses paths with Curtis (Ryan Reynolds), who immediately makes a splash by winning the first hand handsomely and showing friendly interest in Gerry. Later, the story unfolds in a bustling bar where Gerry and Curtis share drinks, leading to the blossoming of their friendship. Curtis mentions he’s off to New Orleans the very next day, and the plot takes a twist when Gerry finds himself waking on Curtis’s girlfriend’s couch.
After a call from Curtis, Gerry is persuaded to meet him at a dog track, where fortune smiles upon them and they strike it big. However, Curtis indicates a desire to leave, but Gerry convinces him to stay, resulting in Gerry losing all their winnings. In later interactions, Curtis shares a cautionary tale about quitting while ahead, yet somehow entices Gerry into a significant bet on a game of pool, revealing Gerry’s apparent struggle with compulsive gambling.
The situation intensifies when Gerry meets Sam (whose actor is not provided), who seems intent on collecting a hefty amount of money that Gerry owes, threatening him to send a “Tim” that instills palpable fear. Later that night, Curtis reaches out to Gerry again, sharing that he won some tickets, which convinces Gerry of his luck turning. Gerry convinces Curtis to back him financially for a trip from St. Louis to New Orleans, believing that this venture will help him secure the $25,000 entrance fee for the tournament Curtis is aiming for in their destination.
They embark on a journey to a riverboat in St. Louis, where Curtis rekindles a connection with a waitress he hasn’t seen in several months. While Gerry hits a winning streak at the tables, his attempts to place phone bets are thwarted due to his debts. The duo makes their way to Memphis where Gerry is distracted from listening to the poker ‘tells’ recording by Curtis. They later venture to a dog track in West Memphis, with Curtis enjoying the nightlife while Gerry faces defeat in poker. A threatening text from Tim leads Gerry to fabricate claims of a $7,000 win, but their path leads them to Little Rock to visit Gerry’s ex-wife, resulting in an unfortunate encounter.
Their journey continues to a casino in Tunica, Mississippi, where an escalating conflict arises as Gerry throws a fit about money for a room. Curtis figures out the deeper issues when Gerry admits that he’s lost money in Memphis. After Curtis steps in to rescue Gerry from some unruly punks, they press on towards New Orleans, even pawning their belongings to fund a bet on a horse that ultimately fails. Their paths diverge when Curtis wins secretly on a different horse and meets with his mother, leaving her the remnants of his winnings.
Meanwhile, Gerry, spiraling into the New Orleans game, grapples with his diminishing luck until he unexpectedly starts a winning streak at a casino. When Curtis appears, he encourages Gerry to bet all he has, which leads to a staggering win of half a million dollars! In a shocking twist, Gerry departs that night with half the money, keeping his win a secret from Curtis.
Timeline
Gerry Prepares for the Tournament
Gerry is focused intently on a recording about poker 'tells', a strategic aspect that can give players an edge in high-stakes games. He is gearing up to enter a major poker tournament at a flashy casino, underscoring his gambling aspirations and the tension that accompanies them.
Gerry Meets Curtis
During the tournament, Gerry encounters Curtis, who immediately catches his attention by winning a significant hand. Their initial interaction is friendly and sets the stage for a burgeoning friendship, as Curtis expresses interest in Gerry's experiences.
Budding Friendship at the Bar
Later on, Gerry and Curtis continue their camaraderie at a bustling bar, sharing drinks and stories. This evening solidifies their friendship, with Curtis enigmatically revealing plans to travel to New Orleans the next day.
Waking Up at Curtis's Place
Gerry unexpectedly wakes up on Curtis's girlfriend's couch, signaling a new, somewhat chaotic turn in their relationship. This incident marks Gerry's deepening entanglement in Curtis's life as the narrative unfolds.
Fortune at the Dog Track
Convinced by Curtis to meet at a dog track, the duo experiences a stroke of luck, winning a large sum together. However, Curtis's inclination to leave results in Gerry's impulsivity as he loses all their winnings shortly after.
Cautionary Tale
In a later meeting, Curtis shares a cautionary tale, stressing the importance of quitting while ahead. Despite this prudent advice, Gerry becomes convinced to make a substantial bet on a game of pool, revealing his struggle with gambling addiction.
Gerry Faces Debt Threat
Gerry encounters Sam, a menacing figure who threatens to send someone named 'Tim' to collect the money Gerry owes. This encounter evokes palpable fear in Gerry, showcasing the stakes and pressure he faces due to his gambling habits.
A Trip to New Orleans
Gerry receives a call from Curtis who shares exciting news about winning tickets. This convinces Gerry to persuade Curtis to back him financially for a road trip to New Orleans, where they believe they can turn their fortunes around.
Rekindling Old Connections
As they embark on their journey, Curtis reconnects with a waitress he hasn’t seen in months at a riverboat. Meanwhile, Gerry faces obstacles as his gambling attempts are hindered by his debts, leading to a troubling perspective on their venture.
Losses in Memphis
While in Memphis, Gerry becomes distracted from his poker 'tells' recording due to Curtis’s influence. Their visit to a dog track in West Memphis leads to further losses, amplifying Gerry's mounting troubles.
Visit to Ex-Wife
Their journey takes a turn when they visit Gerry's ex-wife in Little Rock, where they face a disheartening encounter. This visit deepens Gerry's emotional struggles and highlights the repercussions of his gambling choices.
Conflict in Tunica
At a casino in Tunica, Mississippi, tensions rise as Gerry demands money for a room. His distress mounts when Curtis learns of Gerry’s previous losses in Memphis, amplifying the strain on their friendship.
A Failed Bet
As they continue to New Orleans, Gerry and Curtis pawn their belongings to fund a bet on a horse. Unfortunately, this gamble ends in failure, adding to the mounting financial pressures they both face.
Gerry's Spiraling Luck
Once in New Orleans, Gerry finds himself spiraling as he engages in more poker games, struggling with diminishing luck. However, an unexpected turnaround occurs as he embarks on a winning streak at a local casino.
The Shocking Win
In a dramatic twist, Gerry achieves a staggering win of half a million dollars during his gambling spree. However, he makes a profound decision to keep half of this winnings a secret from Curtis, setting the stage for potential conflict ahead.
Characters
Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn)
Gerry is a down-on-his-luck gambler deeply entrenched in his compulsive gambling tendencies. His character is marked by a desperate need to win back his lost fortunes, leading him to make questionable decisions throughout their journey. Despite his flaws, Gerry's vulnerability and yearning for connection are evident, showcasing the complexities of his persona.
Curtis (Ryan Reynolds)
Curtis serves as a charming and carefree counterpart to Gerry, exuding confidence and charisma. His initial luck in gambling contrasts with Gerry's struggles, but he also harbors his own secrets that complicate their friendship. Curtis represents the allure of gambling as both an escape and a potential trap.
Sam
Sam plays a key role as a collection agent, representing the real-world consequences of Gerry's gambling debts. His menacing demeanor brings urgency and tension to the story, highlighting the dangers of financial irresponsibility. Sam's interactions with Gerry underscore the stakes involved in his gambling lifestyle.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in the contemporary setting of the early 21st century, reflecting modern gambling culture. The characters navigate through the fast-paced world of poker and nightlife, highlighting the challenges and allure of high-stakes betting. Their journey is shaped by the societal attitudes towards gambling and personal struggles during this era.
Location
St. Louis, New Orleans, Memphis, Tunica, Little Rock, West Memphis
The movie traverses several vibrant American cities, each known for its unique culture and atmosphere. St. Louis is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant nightlife, while New Orleans is celebrated for its rich musical heritage and lively casinos. Memphis offers a historic music scene, and Tunica is renowned for its gambling establishments, creating a thrilling backdrop for Gerry and Curtis's adventure.
Themes
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Gambling
Gambling is at the core of the narrative, exploring its addictive nature and the thrill it brings. Gerry's obsession with poker and betting leads him on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, illustrating the fine line between luck and ruin. The film captures the tension of each gamble, revealing the emotional and financial stakes involved.
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Friendship
The evolving friendship between Gerry and Curtis is central to the story, showcasing the dynamics of trust and reliance. As they navigate their gambling escapades together, their bond strengthens, yet is tested by hidden motives and personal baggage. Their journey underscores the importance of companionship in both triumph and adversity.
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Desperation
Desperation permeates Gerry's actions as he struggles with his compulsive gambling habits. It drives him to risky decisions, often placing him in dangerous situations. This theme reflects the darker side of gambling addiction and its repercussions on personal relationships and life choices.
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