The Vortex

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2:05

The Vortex

Feb 2025

1h 20m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

100%

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12 Reviews

97%

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.

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Here’s an indie effort that handsomely pays out.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 12, 2025

Full Review

Tom Meek

Cambridge Day

The Vortex is a talkie film that hangs on the long, resigned face of Gardell, a comedian best known for his long stint on “Mike & Molly.” It’s a dramatic switch that Gardell pulls off, quietly but effectively conveying his inner dread.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 11, 2025

Full Review

Leo Brady

AMovieGuy.com

With a strong lead performance and sharply structured dialogue, The Vortex manages to make its gamble pay off.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 5, 2025

Full Review

Surya Komal

Just for Movie Freaks

Richard Zelniker delivers a reflective chamber drama that captures the dying pulse of 1980 Las Vegas while examining addiction, redemption, and human frailty.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 4, 2025

Full Review

Jeffrey Lyles

Lyles' Movie Files

The final act might have benefitted from an epilogue or a tad more definitive conclusion. Its vagueness might appeal to some but given the investment in some of the characters it might leave the ending less satisfying than the rest of the film.

Rated: 7.5/10

Oct 31, 2025

Full Review

Ezequiel Boetti

EscribiendoCine

Far from slipping into film theater, Zelniker shoots with a camera that moves like the very nerves as Pete's consciousness. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Oct 27, 2025

Full Review

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Miki T

The vortex is a stunning portrait of the duality between addiction and humanity. The cinematography in this film is incredible and the metaphors and symbolism within are truly thought provoking. A must see film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/25

Full Review

Larry K

This is a great movie! The acting (especially Billy Gardell), the directing, the cinematography, the pacing, and the captivating music soundtrack all converged to draw me in and to have me wanting to know more of the story. This movie is a great study of addiction and its consequences. The characters all seemed so real in their angst. There is so much subtlety, nuance, and emotion on the faces of every character that you could not help but be intrigued by them and their relationships with each other. I highly recommend it. Like with many great movies, I will watch it again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/25

Full Review

Samara G

Such an incredible, thought provoking movie. A must watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/25

Full Review

Mark R

This movie is a must watch for anyone who is drawn to independent, thought provoking character studies. I have watched it twice and plan to watch is a few more times. Billy Gardell's lead character contains multitudes, which were revealed to me with greater depth and nuance the second time I watched it. I am certain there is more to be discovered. Well done Richard Zelniker and your entire team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/24/25

Full Review

Jason K

Billy Gardell is fantastic in this movie. Really shows his dramatic chops. Memorable dialogue and a fascinating character study of a gambling addict. Amazing that the film is so engaging with most of it involving just a few characters talking in a room. Reminds me of "Twelve Angry Men" or "Glengarry Glen Ross". Sure to be a cult classic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/21/25

Full Review

David Z

What an interesting take on a story of addiction and community. Well done to the Director and his stellar casts! Couldn't recommend it enough.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/20/25

Full Review

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Richard Zelniker

Director

Billy Gardell

Actor

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The Vortex: Trailer 1

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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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