Molly's Game 2017
Directed by
Aaron Sorkin
Made by
STX Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Molly's Game (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Molly Bloom, portrayed by Jessica Chastain, is a talented moguls skier with dreams of competing in the Olympics, heavily influenced by the stringent training enforced by her father, Kevin Costner. A severe injury during the 2002 Winter Olympics qualifying event abruptly ends her skiing career, leading her to pivot from her initial plan of going to law school to spending a year in Los Angeles.
In LA, she starts working as a waitress in a high-end club, where she serendipitously meets Jeremy Strong, an ambitious but struggling real estate developer named Dean. As she becomes his office manager, Molly is pulled into the world of underground poker games that Dean runs, frequented by numerous affluent personalities, including movie stars and investment bankers. Despite being new to poker, she adeptly learns the ropes and soon discovers how to engage players for higher tips, especially aiming to impress the enigmatic Player X, played by Michael Cera—a character inspired by real-life celebrity poker enthusiasts.
As Molly’s independence in managing the games grows, tensions with Dean rise, leading to her dismissal. Undeterred, she decides to launch her own poker games, securing a penthouse and hiring a team to assist her. With her growing reputation, many players, including Player X, abandon Dean to join Molly’s games. While her success escalates, she finds herself challenged to increase the stakes and attract more wealthy gamblers. Among her new clients is Bill Camp as Harlan Eustice, a compulsive player whose reckless behavior draws others to his spiraling losses, leading to heightened competition and intrigue.
However, the journey takes a darker turn when Molly’s games attract the attention of various criminal elements, including members of the Russian mafia. Following a series of unfortunate events, including being targeted for extortion, the situation culminates in a tense FBI raid triggered by Douglas Downey, played by Chris O’Dowd, who betrays her trust. As a result, Molly’s assets are seized, forcing her to move home and reevaluate her life.
In the following years, Molly pens a book detailing her experiences. Yet, her past catches up with her as she faces federal charges for illegal gambling operations. Seeking defense from Idris Elba, cast as Charlie Jaffey, a well-known attorney, she reveals her side of the story, asserting that her primary wrongdoing was running an illegal gambling operation, which she ceased two years prior. With Charlie’s assistance, she navigates the legal complexities surrounding her case.
While her father, Larry, attempts to mend their fractured relationship, an intense legal battle ensues. Ultimately, Molly is offered a plea deal which she turns down, fearing repercussions for her players. In the end, the judge acknowledges her lack of serious offenses, resulting in a sentence of community service, probation, and a hefty fine instead of prison time, marking the closure of a tumultuous journey.
In this gripping tale of ambition and resilience, Molly Bloom encapsulates the highs and lows of a life intertwined with the exhilarating yet perilous world of underground poker.
Timeline
Track the key events of Molly's Game (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Molly's Olympic Dream
Molly Bloom, a talented moguls skier, holds aspirations of competing in the Olympics. Her dreams are heavily influenced by her father's strict training regimen and expectations.
Injury at the Qualifying Event
During the 2002 Winter Olympics qualifying event, Molly suffers a severe injury that abruptly ends her skiing career. This unexpected turn of events forces her to reconsider her future and the life she envisioned.
Moving to Los Angeles
Following her injury, Molly decides to pivot from law school and moves to Los Angeles. She takes up a job as a waitress in a high-end club, seeking a new direction in life.
Meeting Dean
In Los Angeles, Molly serendipitously meets Dean, an ambitious but struggling real estate developer. She becomes his office manager, which pulls her into the underground poker world he hosts.
Entering the Poker Scene
As Molly becomes involved in Dean's underground poker games, she quickly adapts to the environment despite being a newcomer. She learns to engage players effectively for higher tips, especially aiming to impress Player X.
Launching Her Own Games
With her growing independence, Molly decides to start her own poker games after a fallout with Dean. She secures a penthouse and hires a team, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the underground poker scene.
Competing for Players
As Molly's reputation skyrockets, many players, including Player X, leave Dean's games to join hers. She faces the challenge of raising the stakes to attract more wealth and maintain her new clientele.
Harlan Eustice Joins
Among her new clients is Harlan Eustice, a compulsive poker player whose reckless gambling brings tension to the games. His behavior drives competition and adds intrigue to Molly's poker nights.
Tension with Criminal Elements
Molly's ascent in the poker world attracts the attention of various criminal elements, including the Russian mafia. This dangerous interest poses significant risk and challenges for her operation.
FBI Raid and Betrayal
After a series of unfortunate events, an FBI raid occurs, triggered by a betrayal from Douglas Downey. This leads to the seizure of Molly's assets and forces her to reevaluate her life choices.
Writing Her Book
In the aftermath, Molly decides to share her experiences by writing a book about her life in the underground poker world. This represents her effort to reflect on her tumultuous journey and reclaim her narrative.
Facing Federal Charges
Molly's past catches up with her as she faces federal charges for running illegal gambling operations. She hires attorney Charlie Jaffey to help navigate the legal complexities and assert her side of the story.
Fractured Family Relations
While striving to defend herself, Molly also attempts to mend her fractured relationship with her father, Larry. Despite their attempts, the strain of her legal issues complicates their relationship further.
Declining the Plea Deal
Amidst intense negotiations, Molly is offered a plea deal but chooses to decline it. She fears that accepting the deal would have negative repercussions for her poker players, demonstrating her loyalty to them.
The Court's Decision
In the end, the judge decides on Molly's fate, acknowledging her lack of serious offenses. She receives a sentence of community service, probation, and a hefty fine, thus closing a significant chapter of her life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Molly's Game (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain)
Molly is a resilient and resourceful woman whose dreams of becoming an Olympic skier are dashed by a career-ending injury. Transitioning into the world of illicit poker, she showcases her intellect and adaptability but ultimately faces the ramifications of her choices. Her journey is one of empowerment, reflecting her strength in overcoming societal challenges.
Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba)
Charlie is a skilled attorney who becomes Molly's legal advocate amidst her tumultuous legal battles. He is portrayed as understanding and strategic, navigating the complexities of Molly's situation while supporting her claims. His character embodies professionalism and a commitment to justice, helping to guide Molly through her challenges.
Dean Keith (Jeremy Strong)
Dean Keith is an ambitious but struggling real estate developer who initially draws Molly into the underground poker scene. His character represents a volatile mix of ambition and desperation, ultimately leading to conflict and betrayal. As Molly’s former boss, he sets in motion her transition to independence, despite the contentious relationship.
Player X (Michael Cera)
Player X is an enigmatic poker player who captures Molly's interest as she builds her poker empire. Inspired by real-life celebrities, his allure symbolizes the draw of wealth and fame in the gambling world. His character adds an air of mystery and excitement, representing both the highs and lows of Molly's journey.
Harlan Eustice (Bill Camp)
Harlan is a compulsive gambler whose reckless behavior heightens the stakes in Molly's games. His character serves as a cautionary tale of the addictive nature of gambling and the risks involved in the high-stakes world that Molly becomes part of. His spiraling losses contribute to the tension and drama of the narrative.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Molly's Game (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Early 2000s
The early 2000s were marked by significant cultural shifts in the United States, including a rise in reality TV and interest in celebrity culture. This period also saw the growth of online gambling, contributing to changes in how and where people engage with games of chance, aligning with Molly's experiences in the underground poker scene.
Location
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and vibrant nightlife. The city is home to numerous high-end clubs where affluent personalities gather, making it a hotspot for underground activities like poker games. Its glamorous yet dangerous allure serves as the backdrop for the intense world of gambling Molly enters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Molly's Game (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💰
Ambition
Ambition drives Molly Bloom as she transitions from an aspiring Olympic skier to a successful underground poker game organizer. Her determination to succeed in a male-dominated world showcases the lengths one might go to realize their dreams. The theme reflects the pursuit of personal goals in the face of adversity.
⚖️
Justice
The theme of justice is prevalent as Molly navigates the legal challenges stemming from her illegal gambling operations. Her struggle against the law raises questions about morality, accountability, and the complexities of legal systems. Ultimately, her journey underscores the nuances of justice and the path toward redemption.
🤝
Trust
Trust plays a critical role in Molly's relationships, especially with her players and associates. Betrayal comes into play as characters, like Douglas Downey, compromise that trust, leading to dire consequences. This theme emphasizes the importance of loyalty and the risks involved when that trust is broken.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.