A Hand to Play (2013)

Mike Clarke’s short thriller “A Hand to Play” is an interesting and dynamic slight of hand for crime thriller fans, and it’s one that I hope really storms film festivals. Clarke is wise to cast the primary antagonist as the great Doug Bradley, who can play this role in his sleep. As the villain Mr. Trent, Doug Bradley brings with him a gravitas that posits him as one heck of a horrifying villain.

With a mere glance and sip of tea, Bradley as Mr. Trent is introduced to make a point to not only his captive, but to the men working for and around him. One of his employees, an impulsive gambler, has been dealing drugs behind Mr. Trent’s back, and now Mr. Trent wants to ensure that he never goes in to business for himself, again. Holding him hostage, Mr. Trent challenges him to a game of cards, and in the end, makes it clear what kind of man he is, and what kind of gambler he wants to be as the kingpin of the city.

Simultaneously, he reveals that if the employee is figured out, pretty much everyone in the room has something to lose, and he’s not willing to leave until he shows how far he’ll go to protect his interests. Director Mike Clarke lends a style and unique atmosphere to his crime thriller that makes “A Hand to Play” an engrossing tale, and Doug Bradley manages to elevate the short in to a film that is begging to expanded. With very sharp writing from Paul McGowan and a clever final scene that defines the idea of the poker face, “A Hand to Play” is a short film worthy festival goers’ time and attention.