The Vortex

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Matthew S The Vortex, directed by Richard Zelniker, is a quietly confident, refreshingly minimalist film that plays almost like a stage production on screen. Zelniker leans into simplicity with purpose, creating a space where the performances and tension do all the heavy lifting. The lead carries the story with grounded realism, but it’s Azita Ghanizada who steals every scene she’s in, bringing nuance, charisma, and authenticity to her role. What stands out most is how true the film feels to its original vision; there’s a clear line from script to screen, and Zelniker never overreaches or oversells. Instead, he trusts the material, and that trust pays off. The Vortex is proof that sometimes less really is more; a tightly executed, character-driven story that lingers long after it ends. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/09/25 Full Review Dr S. I stumbled across this dark, crafty, eerie production that kept me captivated throughout. The complex theme, writing and direction coupled with Billy Gardell’s command of the character was brilliant. The suspense builds and the multi messages are creatively brought home to the viewer. A must see! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/09/25 Full Review Yaniko P The Vortex is a superb film with excellent performances by the whole cast. Billy Gardell is amazing, he realistically portrays the complex character of an addicted gambler with unmatched intimacy and accuracy. The story moves fast, immersing us into the dystopian world of hard core gamblers. Richard Zelniker directs this sublime script with great taste and sensitivity. Justin Richards adds a subtle yet dynamic visual treatment that keeps us propelled along the story's timeline. The music brilliantly highlights Gardell's inner emotions, while the camera dances, providing a theatre in the round experience perfectly married with cinematic high art. A beautiful and finely crafted film! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/25 Full Review Ramon M This is a film that stays with you long after you've watched it. The Vortex is a great character rich story. Richard Zelniker's well-paced direction, a tension filled script, dialog (straight out of late 1970's and early 1980's Vegas), and Billy Gardell's acting pulls you in and you can't help but want Gardell's character, PETE, to win at his favorite slot. Behind on car payments, telephone, insurance, and even a loan shark, Pete hopes to win enough to settle all debts. As he plays that slots, characters show up to talk with him, each character, including the loan shark, shows us that Pete is this genuine good guy who happens to be gambling addicted. But he's sensitive to other people's situation and problems as much or even more than he is to his own probs. A Paiute woman knows what Pete is truly capable of and gives him a way out, a door to express that depth and sensitivity he really has. And we see what she saw all along, just who Pete is. And how big his heart is. And those last scenes take you through this change and character evolution that is simply stunning and of it set among the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel and Casino fire. Richard Zelniker's direction and the writing are genius. The dialog real and each line accomplishing depth of character, making them real and unforgettable. This film is a real treat. And a must watch for those who love Cinema. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/01/25 Full Review Alex C What a fun Movie! Billy Gardell kills it lol! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/23/25 Full Review Gregory J Fantastic and worthy escape by a new generation of filmmakers! Richard Zelniker's The Vortex (2025) is a taut, 80-minute character study set in a Las Vegas casino's backroom on the eve of the 1980 MGM Grand fire. Billy Gardell delivers a compelling performance as Pete, a down-on-his-luck comedian ensnared by gambling addiction and mounting debts. The film's kinetic camera work and jazzy score mirror Pete's escalating desperation. Interactions with a diverse cast, including Emily Alabi's enigmatic cleaner and Azita Ghanizada's Shirin B., deepen the narrative, exploring themes of addiction, redemption, and the human cost of vice. Gardell's portrayal marks a significant departure from his comedic roots, showcasing his dramatic range. The Vortex is a haunting, intimate portrayal of a man on the brink. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/08/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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