Mississippi Grind Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two gambling addicts embark on a road trip, occasionally winning, mostly losing, and ultimately proving that luck is as real as a unicorn riding a roulette wheel.

🍿 Mississippi Grind: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Gerry and Curtis

Gerry, a down-on-his-luck gambler, is introduced as he participates in a poker tournament in Dubuque, Iowa. He is heavily in debt and struggling with his addiction. At the same table, he meets Curtis, a charismatic and seemingly lucky poker player who wins big on the first hand.

Forming a Bond and a Risky Road Trip

Gerry and Curtis quickly form a friendship over drinks and shared interests in gambling. Curtis mentions heading to New Orleans, and Gerry, seeing Curtis as a potential lucky charm, convinces him to embark on a road trip together. The goal is for Gerry to win enough money to enter a high-stakes poker tournament in New Orleans, with Curtis providing the stake.

Challenges and Setbacks Along the Way

Their journey is fraught with challenges. Gerry’s compulsive gambling leads to losses and conflicts, and he struggles to manage his debts and resist temptation. They travel to various locations, including St. Louis and Memphis, encountering different forms of gambling and people who impact their journey. Tensions rise as Gerry’s behavior tests their friendship.

Personal Struggles and Tough Choices

As the trip progresses, both characters face personal struggles. Gerry visits his ex-wife in Little Rock, attempting to steal money from her, which highlights the depth of his addiction. Curtis’s motivations remain somewhat enigmatic, and he seems to invite conflict at times. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to gambling create friction and uncertainty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn): A down-on-his-luck, divorced gambler, burdened by debt and addiction, seeking a big win to change his life.
• Curtis (Ryan Reynolds): A charismatic and seemingly lucky poker player who joins Gerry on a road trip, though his motives and past remain enigmatic.
• Simone (Sienna Miller): A prostitute and former flame of Curtis whom they meet in St. Louis.
• Sam (Alfre Woodard): The debt collector threatening Gerry and trying to get back the money that he owes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gerry: “Do you know how to get a sweet, little, old lady to yell ‘Go f*** yourself?’” – Gerry says this during a tense poker game to try and throw off his opponent.
• Gerry: “Get another sweet, little, old lady to yell ‘Bingo!’” – The punchline to the joke during a heated poker game, showcasing Gerry’s dark humor.
• Curtis: “The journey’s the destination.” – Curtis’s motto encapsulates the film’s theme of finding meaning and connection in the face of uncertainty.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $130,541
• Worldwide Gross: $422,746

💥 Mississippi Grind Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Mississippi Grind! It felt like a modern take on classic gambling movies, but with a lot more heart. Ben Mendelsohn just disappeared into his role. I felt his desperation. And Ryan Reynolds surprised me with his subtle performance. The scene where Gerry tries to steal money from his ex-wife was so uncomfortable and real! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all end. Definitely worth checking out if you like character-driven dramas.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in gambling addiction and its consequences”
  • “Those who appreciate road movies with a gritty, realistic tone”
  • “Admirers of Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds’ acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gambling addiction and related behaviors”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Mississippi Grind is a character-driven piece, elevated by the performances of Mendelsohn and Reynolds, who make a compelling odd couple as they navigate the highs and lows of their addiction. It’s a quiet film, but one that lingers long after the credits roll.
• Variety: “Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds deliver strong performances in this meandering road movie about two gamblers chasing a big win. While the film is well-acted, it lacks a strong narrative drive and ultimately feels unsatisfying.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Mississippi Grind benefits from the chemistry between Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds, but its slow pace and lack of narrative urgency make it a challenging watch. It’s a character study that may not resonate with all audiences.

Audience Reactions

The dynamic between Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds was captivating.: Viewers consistently praise the performances of the lead actors and their on-screen chemistry.

The film offers a realistic portrayal of gambling addiction’s ups and downs.: Many audiences appreciated the film’s grounded and authentic depiction of the struggles faced by individuals with gambling problems.

Overall Consensus: Mississippi Grind is a well-acted but slow-paced character study that offers a realistic, if sometimes bleak, look at gambling addiction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The directors, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, are known for their meticulous research. For ‘Mississippi Grind,’ they spent time in casinos and gambling establishments, observing the behaviors and interactions of gamblers to bring authenticity to the film.”
• “Ben Mendelsohn’s performance as Gerry was highly praised for its realistic portrayal of a gambling addict. He fully immersed himself in the role, capturing the character’s desperation and self-destructive tendencies.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features a curated selection of blues and jazz music, enhancing the atmosphere of the American South and the gritty nature of the gambling world.”
• “Mississippi Grind was shot on film, which gave it a classic and timeless feel, reminiscent of 1970s character-driven dramas.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mississippi Grind?

Mississippi Grind is currently available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase it on these platforms. Check your local listings for cable availability. Support the film by purchasing through affiliated links where available.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mississippi Grind, you might like these similar films:

• California Split (1974): Similar theme of gambling addiction and male bonding, with a more comedic approach.
• The Gambler (1974): Explores the destructive nature of gambling addiction with a focus on character study.
• Rounders (1998): Delves into the world of high-stakes poker and the allure of the game, capturing its intensity.
• Uncut Gems (2019): A more modern, anxiety-inducing take on addiction and high-stakes risk-taking.

🛒 Mississippi Grind Related Products

• World Series of Poker: Full House Pro – Xbox 360: Test your poker skills and climb the ranks to become a WSOP champion, inspired by the high-stakes world of the movie. Experience the thrill of the game from the comfort of your couch.
• Bicycle Playing Cards – Standard Index, Colors May Vary: Bicycle playing cards feature the patented air-cushion finish, softly beveled edges and sandwich construction for enhanced game play. They could also be used for magic tricks or building card houses.
• The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win: Maria Konnikova’s ‘The Biggest Bluff’ is a non-fiction book about how a psychologist applied game theory to learn and become a professional poker player.
• Casino Royale (James Bond): Casino Royale is a 2006 spy film, the twenty-first in the James Bond series, and the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name.This film is a fun comparison to Mississippi Grind.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mississippi Grind features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Heels Clickin” – performed by Paul ‘Wine’ Jones
• “Gymnopédie No. 1” – performed by Erik Satie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kermode Uncut: My Top Five Gambling Films

Ever wondered which movies perfectly capture the thrill and risk of gambling? Mark Kermode, a total film expert, shares his top 5 gambling films. It’s a fun watch and might even give you a new appreciation for Mississippi Grind!

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