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Molly's Game

Molly's Game is a 2017 American biographical crime drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Molly's Game is a 2017 American biographical crime drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin in his feature directorial debut. It is based on Molly Bloom's 2014 memoir and stars Jessica Chastain as Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran an exclusive underground poker operation and later became the subject of an FBI investigation.

Plot and premise

The film dramatizes Molly Bloom's move from competitive skiing into running exclusive underground poker games in Los Angeles and New York. Her business attracts wealthy and famous players, then draws scrutiny from law enforcement.

Production

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed the film, making his feature directorial debut. The screenplay adapts Bloom's memoir and was developed with her involvement.

Cast

Jessica Chastain plays Molly Bloom, while Idris Elba plays her defence lawyer and Kevin Costner plays her father. The ensemble cast includes several notable supporting actors in key roles.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Sorkin's screenplay and Chastain's performance. It was also recognised during awards season, including Golden Globe nominations.

Key facts

  • The film marks Aaron Sorkin's feature directorial debut.
  • Jessica Chastain portrays Molly Bloom, with Idris Elba as her lawyer and Kevin Costner as her father.
  • The story follows Bloom's rise running high-stakes poker games for celebrities and wealthy clients, and the legal consequences that follow.
  • The film is adapted from Bloom's memoir rather than being a fully original screenplay.
  • It also features supporting performances by Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd, Joe Keery, Brian D'Arcy James, and Bill Camp.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canadian cinemas and received attention from Canadian audiences as part of the broader North American awards-season film cycle.

Frequently asked questions

What is Molly's Game about?
It follows Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-level skier who ran an exclusive underground poker operation and later faced an FBI investigation.
Who directed Molly's Game?
Aaron Sorkin directed the film; it was his feature directorial debut.
Who stars in Molly's Game?
Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom, with Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd, Joe Keery, Brian D'Arcy James, and Bill Camp in supporting roles.
Is Molly's Game based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on Molly Bloom's memoir and dramatizes real events from her life and poker business.
What genre is Molly's Game?
It is generally classified as a biographical crime drama.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly's_Game
    Supports: Release year, director, cast, plot overview, and adaptation from Molly Bloom's memoir.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mollys-game-2017
    Supports: Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut, film premise, and critical reception.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/transcripts/572044495
    Supports: The film's basis in Molly Bloom's real-life story and the underground poker premise.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4209788/
    Supports: Basic film identification, cast, and synopsis.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4209788/plotsummary/
    Supports: Expanded plot summary and the film's fictionalized account of Molly Bloom's life.