‘Mississippi Grind’ Trailer: Ryan Reynolds Bets Big

That’s a literal headline, by the way — Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn team up in the trailer for Mississippi Grind, which features the unlikely duo gambling their way down the Mississippi to clear Mendelsohn’s character of his debts. Mendelsohn is certainly enough of a draw for the indie drama, but it’s Reynolds who sure could use a win.

Reynolds hasn’t had a big hit in some time now — he’s given great performances in under-seen indies like this year’s The Voices and the 2010 claustrophobic thriller Buried, but he also doesn’t have the best track record: R.I.P.D., The Change-Up, Green Lantern, and the recently underwhelming Self/Less, to name a few.

But it seems as though the actor is turning things around with the promise of Deadpool, and co-starring in a new film with Mendelsohn sure doesn’t hurt.

Mississippi Grind puts Reynolds alongside Mendelsohn in what is certainly quite the cinematic odd coupling, and while the trailer is nothing spectacular, it does offer hints of a solid character study with equally solid work from both men. A24 is distributing the film, and they’ve been putting out some of the most exciting films over the last few years, including Ex Machina, Under the Skin and Enemy.

Gerry (Mendelsohn) is a talented but struggling poker player about to be swallowed up by his unshakeable gambling habit. But his luck begins to change after he meets the young, charismatic Curtis (Reynolds). Gerry convinces his new lucky charm to hit the road with him, towards a legendary high stakes poker game in New Orleans. The highs and lows unveil the duo’s true characters and motivations, and an undeniable bond forms between them.

Mississippi Grind also stars Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton, Alfre Woodard and Robin Weigert, and hits theaters on September 24.