When it comes to biography movies, in my books, Aaron Sorkin is the master of the genre. The screenwriter behind “The Social Network,” “Moneyball,” “Steve Jobs” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” any biopic with Sorkin’s name attached is practically guaranteed to become an instant favorite of mine.
Heck, Sorkin’s involvement in the upcoming sequel to “The Social Network” (called “The Social Reckoning”) is the only reason I’m not convinced this long-in-development follow-up won’t be a massive flop. And with this sequel making headlines this past week, it feels like very serendipitous timing that Netflix just added the excellent “Molly’s Game” to its movie library.
This 2017 biopic, based on Molly "Poker Princess" Bloom's 2014 memoir, wasn’t just written by Sorkin; it also marked his first time stepping behind the camera as director. It turns out that the New York City native isn’t just a master with a pen, he’s also a complete filmmaker, able to craft thrilling and compelling biopics like nobody else can.
So, to cut a long story short, if you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix this weekend, don’t bet on anybody but Molly, because “Molly’s Game” is unmissable. And it also makes for a great appetizer, if you’re looking forward to “The Social Reckoning’s” release in October 2026.
What is ‘Molly’s Game’ about?
Inspired by the true story of Molly Bloom (played by Jessica Chastain), “Molly’s Game” follows the eponymous protagonist as she transitions from a world-class skier, with her Olympic dreams cruelly curtailed by a severe injury, to the operator of the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game.
It’s a glamorous lifestyle, and allows her to rub shoulders with Hollywood A-listers, sporting superstars and industry leaders. However, when criminals influence her game, she finds herself wanted by the FBI. Her only ally as she tries to defend herself, and avoid the rest of her life in prison, is her lawyer (Idris Elba), who comes to realize there’s more to Molly than her reputation.
Also featuring Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd and Bill Camp, “Molly’s Game” is the story of one woman’s rise to the top, and her inevitable fall from grace. The screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA, as you would expect from a Sorkin flick.
‘Molly’s Game’ deserves to be in your Netflix watchlist
In classic Sorkin-style, “Molly’s Game” tells a sprawling story, set over several years, but it’s supremely easy to follow. There’s a lot of ground to cover, but the movie zips across Molly’s rise and fall, giving each dramatic moment the chance to breathe, but without lingering too long, or making you feel like vital context has been skipped over or neglected.
In another move that feels like trademark Sorkin, Molly’s Game’s narrative is told in a non-linear fashion. After the intro, which showcases the downfall of her professional skiing career, we see her being awoken by armed FBI agents banging on her front door. Quickly, she needs legal advice from Charlie Jaffey (Elba), and the rest of the movie jumps between Molly’s ascent to running a multi-million dollar poker game, and Charlie's pleas for her to cut a deal to avoid jail time. It’s hardly a unique framing, but it’s used to great effect.
The real ace up “Molly’s Game’s” sleeve is Chastain. The Oscar winner gives one of her best performances. Molly is a complex figure, damaged by her relationship with a demanding father (played by Kevin Costner), and clearly seduced by the world of glitz and glamor that surrounds her. Yet underneath it all, she’s easy to root for, and Chastain brings the house down with a sterling, emotionally charged scene in the third act. Idris is also excellent, but there’s no doubt this is Chastain’s movie, and she plays her hand perfectly.
“Molly’s Game” earned strong reviews upon its release in early 2018 and to this day. It holds an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, enough for a ‘Certified Fresh’ seal of approval. The site’s ‘Critics Consensus’ reads, “Powered by an intriguing story and a pair of outstanding performances from Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba, Molly's Game marks a solid debut for writer-director Aaron Sorkin.” To be honest, I actually think an 82% score undersells it.
Masterfully written, relentlessly entertaining from start to finish, and with strong performances across the cast, none more so than from Jessica Chastain, “Molly’s Game” has everything you could want from a biopic. It’s a clear standout of Netflix’s October movie slate, but if you want to get a full overview, here’s everything added to the streaming service this month.
Watch "Molly's Game" on Netflix now
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