The Vortex

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2:05

The Vortex

Released Feb 14

1h 20m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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3 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

A Paiute woman enters a Las Vegas casino in 1980, triggering strange happenings. The addicted in-house comedian counsels eccentric patrons and must make a pivotal choice.

Bradley Gibson

Film Threat

The Vortex drops the viewer into a time and space where the hopes and dreams of regular people go to die, serving as a microcosmic allegory for all of life.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 18, 2025

Full Review

Megan McLachlan

The Contending

While audiences have grown used to seeing Gardell in lighter roles, most recently on CBS’s comedy Bob Hearts Abishola, the Pittsburgh native demonstrates a real knack for darker fare. The Vortex might be a gamechanger for him.

Feb 22, 2025

Full Review

Sean Collier

Pittsburgh Magazine

It’s Gardell’s job to carry the picture ... and he’s up to the task.

Rated: 7/10

Feb 14, 2025

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Heather D

What a charming, intriguing and layered look at a human being with a very real addiction, living behind a mask that's about to crumble. Bill Gardell plays an incredibly empathic character and he is surrounded by grounded, sport on performances by a cast that keeps raising the stakes. Love the "oner" creativity and the music is a fantastic character in the story, too. And I loved the tension at the end. Chef's kiss.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/29/25

Full Review

KJ S

Great film, The comedian lead actor is off the hook. A masterclass in acting. The rest of the cast was good as well. A good watch for sure. Good music score as well

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/25/25

Full Review

Jeffrey L.

Billy Gardell, Jaina Lee Ortiz, and Chris Titus shine in this wonderful film. It’s funny, poignant, and impressively executed. Gardell delivers a deep and darker take on his character, Pete. This is something fresh for Billy and he nails the balance between his natural comic instincts and dramatic weight. Ortiz and Titus complement him beautifully and together they elevate the story. A heartfelt, engaging film that I definitely recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/25

Full Review

Edward T

Billy Gardell delivers a captivating performance as a standup comedian spiraling under the crushing weight of his gambling addiction. Director Richard Zelniker conjures raw authenticity from an exceptionally talented ensemble cast of characters whose hopes and dreams intersect on one of the darkest days in Las Vegas’ history. This film resonates with unflinching honesty - a must-see for anyone craving powerful, character-driven storytelling that sticks with you long after the final credits roll.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/25

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Eddie A

Loved this movie. Excellent all around!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/19/25

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Anamyn T

A terrific, insightful, and poignant film. Billy Gardell is splendid!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/18/25

Full Review

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Richard Zelniker

Director

Billy Gardell

Actor

Emily Alabi

Actor

Jaina Lee Ortiz

Actor

Christopher Titus

Actor

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The Vortex: Trailer 1

2:05

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Synopsis

A Paiute woman enters a Las Vegas casino in 1980, triggering strange happenings. The addicted in-house comedian counsels eccentric patrons and must make a pivotal choice.

Director: Richard Zelniker
Producer: Richard Zelniker, Adriana Rotaru, Justin Richards, Callie Nguyen Zelniker
Screenwriter: Richard Zelniker, Steven Barr
Distributor: Synkronized
Production Co: Lucid Pictures
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 14, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 20m

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