Southern Gothic

Double Down South is a gritty gambling film reminiscent of everything from The Hustler to Mississippi Grind. Lili Simmons shines as a tough-talking billiards ace thrown into the crazy world of a game that's as much about luck as skill. Kim Coates is creepy and menacing as the owner of the dilapidated plantation house where the underground games take place. The plot takes twists and turns that I did not see coming, and the cast of grimy good ole boys are always a delight to watch. Tom Schulman is a screenwriter known for several iconic films, and it's fun to see his efforts from the director's chair in this one.