Jessica Chastain has taken us on an emotional rollercoaster over the years—whether making us teary-eyed in Interstellar and The Martian, capturing our hearts in The Help, or keeping us on the edge of our seats in Zero Dark Thirty and It Chapter Two.
Since her big-screen debut in Jolene (2008), the Academy Award-winning actress has delivered a diverse range of performances, from a determined CIA analyst to a heavily made-up televangelist. But one of her most unforgettable roles is in the gripping 2017 drama Molly’s Game, where she portrays a real-life high-stakes poker mastermind.
This Certified Fresh thriller is currently streaming on Netflix—but not for long. It will be leaving the platform on March 31, so now’s the perfect time to watch (or rewatch) before it’s gone.
What Is Molly’s Game About?
Molly’s Game tells the incredible true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-level skier whose career is cut short by injury. A move to Los Angeles leads her into the world of exclusive, underground poker games—first as an assistant, then as the mastermind behind her own high-stakes empire.
Bloom’s poker ring attracts Hollywood A-listers (Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon were real-life participants), Wall Street moguls, and even the Russian mafia. But when the FBI cracks down, she finds herself facing serious legal trouble.
The film’s all-star cast includes Idris Elba as Molly’s defense attorney, Kevin Costner as her father, and Michael Cera, Chris O’Dowd, and Bill Camp as some of the high-rolling gamblers in her orbit.
Why Molly’s Game Is One of Jessica Chastain’s Best Performances
Chastain has delivered standout performances throughout her career, but Molly’s Game is a defining moment. She brings confidence, charisma, and vulnerability to the role, seamlessly balancing the sharp-witted dialogue of writer-director Aaron Sorkin with the emotional depth of a woman fighting to maintain control of her own narrative.
As Variety’s Peter Debruge put it:
“Molly’s Game delivers one of the screen’s great female parts — a dense, dynamic, compulsively entertaining affair, whose central role makes stunning use of Chastain’s stratospheric talent.“
Why You Should Watch Molly’s Game Before It Leaves Netflix
Beyond Chastain’s powerhouse performance, Molly’s Game is a slick, high-energy thriller packed with fast-paced storytelling and razor-sharp dialogue. It was Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, showcasing the signature intensity and wit he brought to The Social Network, Moneyball, and The West Wing.
The film boasts an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its gripping narrative and standout performances from Chastain and Elba.
If you love smart, stylish dramas with a compelling true story, Molly’s Game is a must-watch. Just make sure to stream it before it leaves Netflix on March 31!
