The Card Counter

by Paul Schrader Gala Premieres

Former U.S. soldier William once served in Iraq. He now roams the casinos as a card player, running from his past. His apathetic existence regains its spark one day when he meets the young Cirk, who asks to help him with his plan to take revenge on a high-ranking US Army officer. William sees a chance for redemption in his relationship with Cirk, and takes him under his wing as a protégé. With the support of the mysterious financier La Linda, they try to win the world poker championship in Las Vegas. But keeping Cirk on the straight and narrow proves difficult, and William is forced to face the demons of his past. Director Paul Schrader's neo-noir thriller impresses with atmospherically dense images, a cool soundtrack and Oscar Isaac at the top of his game.

Supported by University of Zurich.