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'The Ballad Of A Small Player' Is Secretly A Ghost Story

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:28 GMT by Inverse
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The Ballad of a Small Player: Netflix’s New Supernatural Crime Thriller

Netflix’s latest offering, The Ballad of a Small Player, blends the grit of a 1990s gangster drama with a dark, supernatural twist. Created by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Studios and penned by acclaimed screenwriter Michael R. Perry, the series follows the life of Joe “The Ballad” Moretti (Colin Farrell) as he navigates the treacherous streets of Brooklyn while a mysterious entity looms over his destiny. With eight richly detailed episodes, the show premiered in late October 2023 and has already become a talking point for its bold premise, stellar performances, and genre‑blending storytelling.

A Small Town, Big Stakes

The series opens in 1998 Brooklyn, where Joe is a small‑time gangster trying to rise above his humble beginnings. The story starts with Joe’s life in its quietest moments—a small apartment, a single coffee, and a love that seems to promise a future. But the fragile balance is shattered when a rival crew murders his best friend and steals his life savings. With nothing left but his ambition and the loyalty of a handful of allies, Joe is forced to take a risky path into the criminal underworld. The stakes are high; Joe’s every decision has consequences that ripple through his life and the community he calls home.

The Supernatural Edge

What sets The Ballad of a Small Player apart is the supernatural element that intertwines with the crime narrative. After the murder, Joe discovers a cryptic contract written in blood: a deal with an unseen, otherworldly force that claims his soul in exchange for wealth and protection. While the contract’s origin is shrouded in mystery, the implications are immediate. Joe is now not only a target of rival gangs but also of a vengeful, supernatural entity that manipulates his actions and tests his resolve. The series cleverly balances the tension of the crime world with the dread of a looming, unseen predator.

The supernatural presence is portrayed through a combination of atmospheric cinematography, subtle sound design, and occasional chilling visual cues. In many scenes, the camera lingers on a shadow that seems to move independently, or a flickering streetlamp that casts distorted shapes—visual hints that the contract’s stakes are real. These moments create a sense of dread that escalates as Joe’s story progresses, culminating in a tense confrontation that asks whether the price of power is worth the cost.

Colin Farrell’s Gripping Performance

Colin Farrell delivers a nuanced performance as Joe. He blends the classic charisma of a mobster with the vulnerability of someone battling an unseen threat. Farrell’s portrayal is anchored by his skill at navigating emotional turbulence—particularly in scenes where Joe wrestles with the idea of betraying the contract’s terms. The actor’s subtle gestures—such as a fleeting glance, a clenched fist, or a hesitant smile—highlight the internal conflict and add depth to the character.

Farrell’s co‑stars also contribute richly to the narrative. Supporting roles include a loyal friend who remains steadfast even after betrayal, a former lover who becomes a catalyst for Joe’s descent into darkness, and a charismatic mob boss who becomes a mentor and an obstacle. The ensemble cast creates a web of relationships that keeps the narrative dynamic and the stakes high.

Production and Creative Vision

The Ballad of a Small Player showcases Amblin Studios’ signature craftsmanship. Director Michael R. Perry brings his signature style to the series, using a palette of muted color tones and intimate camera work to immerse viewers in Brooklyn’s nocturnal world. The production design is meticulous: the set pieces capture the 1990s aesthetic, from graffiti walls to neon lights, while the soundtrack incorporates period‑appropriate hip‑hop and soul music to reinforce the setting.

The screenplay’s structure—each episode building on the last with escalating stakes—ensures a tight narrative flow. The script deftly balances dialogue with action sequences, allowing Joe’s character arc to unfold organically. At the same time, the supernatural contract is woven into the story as a thread that ties the episodes together, offering a unique twist that differentiates the show from conventional gangster dramas.

Thematic Exploration

Beyond the surface-level crime thriller, The Ballad of a Small Player probes deeper questions about identity, fate, and moral compromise. Joe’s journey raises questions about how far one will go to secure a better life. The contract forces him to confront whether success can ever truly be achieved without a cost, especially when that cost may involve the loss of one’s soul. The series invites viewers to ponder the nature of power, the price of ambition, and the limits of human agency.

The show also highlights the tension between loyalty and self‑interest. Joe’s relationships—whether with friends, family, or a romantic partner—are constantly tested as he moves through an increasingly dangerous underworld. These relationships are pivotal to the narrative and help humanize Joe, making his internal battle all the more compelling.

Availability and Reception

Netflix released all eight episodes of The Ballad of a Small Player at once, enabling binge‑viewing for fans of crime dramas and supernatural thrillers alike. Since its premiere, the series has garnered praise for its bold genre blend, strong performances, and high production values. Critics highlight the show’s ability to balance suspense with character depth, while fans appreciate the unexpected supernatural twist that keeps the plot fresh and engaging.

As a first collaboration between Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Studios and Netflix, The Ballad of a Small Player sets a high bar for future streaming originals. Its success could signal a new era of genre‑crossing stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Conclusion

The Ballad of a Small Player is more than a crime thriller; it is a layered exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. With Colin Farrell’s compelling portrayal of a man caught between earthly and supernatural stakes, the series offers a unique cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of the gangster genre. Whether you’re a fan of gritty crime narratives or drawn to supernatural intrigue, the show’s blend of suspense, character development, and genre‑blending storytelling delivers an unforgettable ride through the shadows of 1990s Brooklyn.