Runner Runner

A 2013 American crime thriller directed by Brad Furman. The story follows Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake), a former Wall Street employee now studying at Princeton University, who funds his education by referring fellow students to online gambling. When the university threatens expulsion for his activities, Richie decides to gamble his own savings in online poker to pay for tuition but loses everything due to cheating. Convinced he's been swindled, he travels to Costa Rica to confront the site's owner, Ivan Block (Ben Affleck). Impressed by Richie's analytical skills, Ivan offers him a lucrative position within his company. As Richie delves deeper into the world of online gambling, he begins a romantic relationship with Rebecca Shafran (Gemma Arterton), Ivan's former lover. However, he soon encounters FBI agent Shavers (Anthony Mackie), who pressures Richie to assist in exposing Block's illegal operations. As events unfold, Richie realizes he's entangled in a dangerous game with high stakes, forcing him to choose between loyalty, morality, and his own safety. The film explores themes of temptation by quick wealth, moral compromises, and the consequences of involvement in illicit schemes. Filming took place in Puerto Rico and on the Princeton University campus.