Gambler

In a misty village, on the top of a mountain, two gamblers take an old man to his cottage in the middle of the jungle to get their money back. They bury him alive in his own garden, find the money in his house, and split it between themselves.

Directed by Karim Lakzadeh, Gambler leans on a strong ensemble — Shahbaz Abbasi, Behzad Dorani, Hamed Nejabat — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2016.