Mississippi Grind

Gerry is focused intently on a recording about poker 'tells', a strategic aspect that can give players an edge in high-stakes games. He is gearing up to enter a major poker tournament at a flashy casino, underscoring his gambling aspirations and the tension that accompanies them.

During the tournament, Gerry encounters Curtis, who immediately catches his attention by winning a significant hand. Their initial interaction is friendly and sets the stage for a burgeoning friendship, as Curtis expresses interest in Gerry's experiences.

Later on, Gerry and Curtis continue their camaraderie at a bustling bar, sharing drinks and stories. This evening solidifies their friendship, with Curtis enigmatically revealing plans to travel to New Orleans the next day.

Gerry unexpectedly wakes up on Curtis's girlfriend's couch, signaling a new, somewhat chaotic turn in their relationship. This incident marks Gerry's deepening entanglement in Curtis's life as the narrative unfolds.

Convinced by Curtis to meet at a dog track, the duo experiences a stroke of luck, winning a large sum together. However, Curtis's inclination to leave results in Gerry's impulsivity as he loses all their winnings shortly after.

In a later meeting, Curtis shares a cautionary tale, stressing the importance of quitting while ahead. Despite this prudent advice, Gerry becomes convinced to make a substantial bet on a game of pool, revealing his struggle with gambling addiction.

Gerry encounters Sam, a menacing figure who threatens to send someone named 'Tim' to collect the money Gerry owes. This encounter evokes palpable fear in Gerry, showcasing the stakes and pressure he faces due to his gambling habits.

Gerry receives a call from Curtis who shares exciting news about winning tickets. This convinces Gerry to persuade Curtis to back him financially for a road trip to New Orleans, where they believe they can turn their fortunes around.

As they embark on their journey, Curtis reconnects with a waitress he hasn’t seen in months at a riverboat. Meanwhile, Gerry faces obstacles as his gambling attempts are hindered by his debts, leading to a troubling perspective on their venture.

While in Memphis, Gerry becomes distracted from his poker 'tells' recording due to Curtis’s influence. Their visit to a dog track in West Memphis leads to further losses, amplifying Gerry's mounting troubles.

Their journey takes a turn when they visit Gerry's ex-wife in Little Rock, where they face a disheartening encounter. This visit deepens Gerry's emotional struggles and highlights the repercussions of his gambling choices.

At a casino in Tunica, Mississippi, tensions rise as Gerry demands money for a room. His distress mounts when Curtis learns of Gerry’s previous losses in Memphis, amplifying the strain on their friendship.

As they continue to New Orleans, Gerry and Curtis pawn their belongings to fund a bet on a horse. Unfortunately, this gamble ends in failure, adding to the mounting financial pressures they both face.

Once in New Orleans, Gerry finds himself spiraling as he engages in more poker games, struggling with diminishing luck. However, an unexpected turnaround occurs as he embarks on a winning streak at a local casino.

In a dramatic twist, Gerry achieves a staggering win of half a million dollars during his gambling spree. However, he makes a profound decision to keep half of this winnings a secret from Curtis, setting the stage for potential conflict ahead.