Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Mississippi Grind’ Is The Coolest Movie On Netflix

Coolness is in the eye of the beholder, but Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s 2015 dramedy Mississippi Grind is undeniably cool. The film follows the unlikely friendship between a hapless, cash-strapped gambler (Ben Mendelsohn’s Gerry) and rakish, charismatic man of the people (Ryan Reynolds’ Curtis). After a few nights of partying, the two Peter Pans embark upon on a gambling-fueled road trip through the south in route to a big-money poker game in New Orleans.

A little bit of Swingers mixed with a dash of Rounders, Reynolds and Mendelsohn ooze chemistry as Gerry and Curtis experience the transcendent highs and debilitating lows of lady luck. The chic film takes two inherently enjoyable concepts — road trips and gambling — and combines them to create one entertaining movie.

The recent influx of A24 films to Netflix has let to an abundance of new indie offerings available to stream on the platform, but don’t you dare sleep on the wily charms of this underrated (yet critically adored) film that celebrates both the best and worst impulses of humanity.

Mississippi Grind is one of the most realistic gambling films ever produced. It toggles between romanticizing and humanizing the wildly volatile life of a gambler. Reynolds’ Curtis is no stranger to the intoxicating allure of fast money, sure, but he’s more of a “journey is the destination” type fella; a man embroiled in a perpetual search of a good time. Gerry on the other hand is a Gambler in the most genuine, heartbreaking way possible. It’s an addiction that completely subsumes him. He’s the type of sad sack who owes money to everyone, routinely puts himself in peril, and would (and does) sell his car for a fix. He’s a man who, to borrow a phrase from Rounders, routinely forgets the “cardinal fucking rule” of gambling: Always leave yourself an out.

Gerry is perpetually one bad beat away from the point of no return, and Mendelsohn plays this character with a sheepish pluck. Yes, he’s a rogue, but he’s a relatable rogue with a good heart. Reynolds’ innate charm is the perfect foil for Mendelsohn’s melancholy, and the duo’s natural rapport elevate an already engaging story.

Your takeaway from the film depends on your perspective. Is it a stealthy ode to friendship? An unflinching reminder that we’re all flawed and personal growth will always be just out of reach? Whether you view Mississippi Grind as a cautionary tale that highlights the futility of gambling or as an oddly inspirational buddy comedy ultimately belies the larger point: The movie is just so much damn fun.

To cool dudes posing.
Photo: Everett Collection

There are no sure things in gambling, but if you’re looking for an enjoyable film to stream on Netflix, Mississippi Grind is a lock.

Where to stream Mississippi Grind