The Card Counter

William Tell spends eight years in prison, during which he hones his card-counting skills. This extensive experience shapes his gambling strategies and instills a desire for a quieter life away from the chaos of casinos.

After his release, Tell adopts a low-profile lifestyle, staying in motels and traveling minimally. He covers the furniture in his motel rooms with plain sheets, ensuring a sterile environment that reflects his desire for anonymity.

During a visit to the casino, Tell meets La Linda, a familiar figure in the gambling world. Despite her offer to back him financially, Tell declines to avoid the complications that come with such arrangements.

In Atlantic City, a convention draws attention to the casino where Tell has been gambling. He attends a seminar hosted by Major John Gordo but quickly feels uncomfortable and exits.

As Tell exits the seminar, he is approached by Cirk Baufort, who provides his contact information. Cirk's connection to Tell leads to revelations about both their painful pasts.

Cirk reveals to Tell that he is the son of a man affected by the Abu Ghraib scandal, with his father suffering from addiction and ultimately taking his own life. This revelation drives Cirk to seek vengeance against Major Gordo.

Though Cirk seeks Tell's assistance in avenging their shared pain, Tell refuses to participate in any violent actions. Instead, he offers to mentor Cirk in gambling, hoping to guide him toward a more constructive path.

Amidst their growing friendship, Tell confides in La Linda about his ambition to enter the World Series of Poker. He believes that winning enough money could help Cirk settle his debts and start afresh.

Tell engages in a series of gambling competitions, including a tense face-off against Mr. USA, a bold Ukrainian player. During this time, Tell forms deeper connections with Cirk and La Linda.

As Cirk's emotional turmoil worsens, he reveals his desire to kill Gordo. Tell tries to intervene by offering Cirk $150,000 from his winnings, hoping to dissuade him from a path of violence.

Despite Tell's efforts, Cirk chooses to confront Gordo, and the news reports a tragic outcome. Both Tell and Cirk are left shattered by the devastating turn of events.

Determined to confront Gordo, Tell prepares for a fateful encounter, mirroring the isolation he experienced in motels by covering the furniture. What follows is a tense and intense confrontation steeped in their shared past.

In a gripping moment, Tell confronts Gordo, not to kill him but to enact a dramatic reenactment of their history. The encounter is fraught with emotion, leaving Tell gravely injured yet still alive.

Following the traumatic events, Tell finds himself back in military prison, accepting the harsh reality of his life. He reflects on the choices he made and the consequences they brought.

In a poignant moment, La Linda visits Tell in prison. They share an intimate connection through the glass separating them, grappling with their burdens while finding solace in each other's presence.