The Vortex review (2025)

The Vortex is a largely enjoyable character-driven drama about a down on his luck comedian in deep to Las Vegas mobsters.

Billy Gardell plays Pete, a longtime fixture at the MGM Grand Casino who knows everybody and anyone worth knowing behind the glitz and glam of casino life.

Director/co-writer Richard Zelniker and co-writer Steven Barr reveal right away that things might not end up so well for Pete as the opening text notes that on Nov. 21, 1980, a massive fire claimed the lives of nearly 90 people and injured hundreds more. The Vortex takes place hours before the deadly blaze.

Pete has just wrapped up another successful set and is all set to cash in at a mostly private slots back room. This is a savvy move from Zelniker as this location hides The Vortex’s smaller budget.

A bustling casino like the MGM Grand in 1980 would require a decent number of extras just walking around in the background to provide that signature Vegas environment. In a back room, the setting can be far more intimate and allow Pete a quieter setting to focus.

Good thing for Pete that playing the one-armed bandit doesn’t require a lot of quiet as he rarely finds any on this night.

It’s Pete that’s the vortex in the film as his generous and magnanimous personality draws people to him. While intent on squaring his debts with the Vegas mobsters, Pete always finds time to converse with those around him. The premise of The Vortex also makes the scenario feel similar to a one-set play. Zelniker shifts camera angles and perspectives just enough to avoid making this one location ever feel too constricted.

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In a bit of a running gag, Pete has some brief encounters with some fellow casino employees who quickly hit a jackpot at different slots. The irony of course is Pete can’t manage to pull that kind of luck for himself. Naturally, some encounters are stronger than others.

A highlight is Pete’s conversations with Jackie (Emily Alabi), a Native Paiute cleaning lady who offers him some helpful insight on his luck at the slots. Alabi and Gardell have an enjoyable dynamic. Jackie seems to know more than she can fully share but wants to look out for the guy who’s always done right by her.

Pete is a low-key ladies’ man as he has a funny, slightly flirtatious banter with waitress Ginny (Jaina Lee Ortiz, Righteous Thieves).

After years devoted to being a sitcom sweetheart on Mike & Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola, Gardell can play the easygoing likable lead in his sleep. The Vortex offers him that same kind, personable character with a touch of sadness, regret and maybe even remorse. This is a layered, nuanced performance from Gardell, who finds in Pete a malleable role that can adapt to any character that steps into “his office.”

Surprisingly, one of the most engaging discussions Pete has is with mob enforcer Left Hand Louie (Nick Gracer). There’s some tension here as Louie has to convey the message properly for his associate, Jimmy (Christopher Titus), but Pete is a good comedian and a better storyteller causing Louie some conflict. Given how little Pete is actually on stage in The Vortex, Barr and Zelniker write some genuinely funny punchlines that Gardell delivers like the lovable slightly boozy uncle.

The weakest might be Pete’s conversation with dancer Shirin (Azita Ghanizada). Shirin is married to one of Pete’s friendlier co-workers, but she’s still very drawn to Pete.

This interaction would have benefitted from more time to develop as too much between Pete and Shirin occurred previously to be invested in the “what if?” scenario Zelniker and Barr seek to create.

A few of the chats go a bit too long while Zelniker occasionally gets too preoccupied in staging the tension and drama to the point it feels less organic.

The Vortex has an… interesting final act that 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.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Lucid Pictures

Check out The Vortex now on Amazon Prime.

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