Molly’s Game (2017) is a gripping biographical drama written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, in his directorial debut. Based on the real-life story of Molly Bloom — an Olympic-class skier who ran one of the most exclusive high-stakes poker games in the world — the film delivers Sorkin’s signature sharp dialogue and moral complexity, wrapped around Jessica Chastain’s powerhouse performance.
Detailed Summary
The Rise and Fall of Molly Bloom
Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) begins as a world-class skier, aiming for the Olympics. Her strict father, Larry Bloom (Kevin Costner), pushes her relentlessly. However, a devastating injury during competition ends her skiing career prematurely. Rather than returning to school, Molly decides to take a year off and moves to Los Angeles.
Entering the Poker World
While working as an assistant to a wealthy real-estate developer (Dean Keith in the film, based on real-life figure Darin Feinstein), Molly is introduced to underground poker games attended by Hollywood stars, professional athletes, and Wall Street moguls. She quickly learns the rules, the power dynamics, and — more importantly — how to control the room.
When her boss fires her, Molly takes the poker business into her own hands, creating her own game that soon becomes the most exclusive in L.A. and later, New York City. Her clientele includes powerful figures — some inspired by real celebrities (like the rumored “Player X,” portrayed by Michael Cera, loosely based on Tobey Maguire).
The Fall
As the stakes grow higher, so do the risks. Molly starts to lose control as drugs and stress enter the picture. She begins taking a cut from the pots — illegal under federal law — and unknowingly allows members of the Russian mob to join her games. Eventually, the FBI raids her operation, seizing her money and assets.
The Legal Battle
Facing serious charges, Molly hires defense attorney Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba), a sharp, morally driven lawyer. He’s skeptical at first but comes to respect Molly’s integrity — especially her refusal to reveal the names of her high-profile clients, even when doing so could save her from financial ruin or prison.
Throughout the film, flashbacks intercut with courtroom and lawyer scenes, revealing Molly’s journey from a determined athlete to an outcast with a sense of moral strength.
Movie Ending
In the end, Molly faces a federal judge. Despite her cooperation with authorities and the fact that she didn’t engage in violence or drug dealing, prosecutors push for jail time to “set an example.” But the judge recognizes that Molly has already paid dearly — losing her fortune, her reputation, and her career. He sentences her to probation and community service instead of prison.
The emotional climax comes when Molly reconciles with her father, Larry Bloom. In a heartfelt scene, he admits his flaws as a parent and helps Molly come to terms with her life choices. This moment humanizes her story beyond ambition and scandal — it’s about identity, redemption, and integrity.
The film closes with Molly’s quiet acceptance of her fate: she may have lost the game, but she’s regained her self-respect.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Molly’s Game does not include any post-credits scenes. The story concludes definitively with Molly’s courtroom outcome and emotional closure with her father.
Type of Movie
Molly’s Game is a biographical crime drama with elements of legal thriller and psychological character study. It mixes fast-paced dialogue with moments of reflection and tension, typical of Aaron Sorkin’s writing style.
Cast
- Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom
- Idris Elba as Charlie Jaffey
- Kevin Costner as Larry Bloom
- Michael Cera as Player X
- Jeremy Strong as Dean Keith
- Chris O’Dowd as Douglas Downey
- Bill Camp as Harlan Eustice
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Daniel Pemberton, known for his energetic and versatile compositions (Steve Jobs, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.). The music alternates between jazz-infused rhythm for poker sequences and emotional orchestral tones for the courtroom and family scenes.
Filming Locations
Molly’s Game was primarily filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with some scenes shot in New York City and Los Angeles. The locations were chosen to represent the duality of Molly’s world — the glamorous, high-stakes poker nights in luxury hotels and the cold, sterile atmosphere of legal proceedings.
Awards and Nominations
The film received significant critical acclaim, including:
- Academy Award Nomination – Best Adapted Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
- Golden Globe Nominations – Best Screenplay and Best Actress (Jessica Chastain)
- Writers Guild of America Nomination – Best Adapted Screenplay
Though it didn’t win major awards, it cemented Sorkin’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s top writers — and proved his talent as a director.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jessica Chastain shadowed real poker games to prepare for the role and spent time with the real Molly Bloom.
- Aaron Sorkin took on the directing role after initially planning only to write the script.
- Idris Elba’s courtroom monologue defending Molly was mostly improvised and became one of the film’s most memorable moments.
- The real Molly Bloom visited the set and even helped coach Chastain on poker terminology.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on Molly Bloom’s 2014 memoir, Molly’s Game: From Hollywood’s Elite to Wall Street’s Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker.
Aaron Sorkin stayed largely faithful to her story but added fictionalized elements for narrative flow and dramatic emphasis — particularly the father-daughter dynamic.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no alternate endings were officially produced, early drafts of the script included a version where Molly considers testifying against her clients before ultimately refusing. A few poker scenes involving additional celebrity players were cut for pacing and legal reasons.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Compared to the memoir, the movie focuses more on Molly’s moral journey than on the poker mechanics or celebrity gossip. Sorkin’s adaptation omits many of the named celebrities from the book for legal and ethical reasons. The film also expands the father-daughter relationship, which is only briefly mentioned in the book.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Molly’s skiing accident that ends her Olympic dreams.
- The first poker game, where she quickly learns how to read powerful men.
- The confrontation between Molly and Player X, where he betrays her by stealing her players.
- Charlie Jaffey’s fiery courtroom defense of Molly.
- The emotional reconciliation scene between Molly and her father.
Iconic Quotes
- Molly Bloom: “You know what makes you feel okay about losing? Winning.”
- Charlie Jaffey: “You’ve done nothing to deserve going to prison. Nothing.”
- Molly Bloom: “I was raised to be a champion. My whole life was about winning.”
- Larry Bloom: “You’ve been through hell. You’ve done it all with dignity.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The “Player X” character is a composite of several real poker players, rumored to include famous Hollywood actors.
- The name “Molly’s Game” itself is a subtle nod to the phrase “playing the game” — both in poker and in life.
- Sorkin included a brief nod to The Social Network in a line about “brilliant men who think they’re above rules.”
Trivia
- The real Molly Bloom was consulted throughout production and even attended the film’s premiere with Jessica Chastain.
- This was Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut.
- The poker chips used in the film were custom-made replicas of real high-stakes game chips used in Beverly Hills.
- Jessica Chastain reportedly memorized over 30 pages of Sorkin’s dialogue-heavy script for one long courtroom scene.
Why Watch?
Molly’s Game is a masterclass in storytelling — a high-speed, dialogue-driven film about ambition, ethics, and resilience. It’s perfect for viewers who love intelligent dramas, true stories, and character-driven narratives. Chastain’s performance alone makes it worth watching, and Sorkin’s script keeps you hooked from the first line to the last.
Director’s Other Works
While Molly’s Game is Aaron Sorkin’s first directorial effort, he is world-famous as a writer. His other notable works include:
- The Social Network (2010)
- Moneyball (2011)
- A Few Good Men (1992)
- Steve Jobs (2015)
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
