“The Vortex” — A Comedian Lost in the Spin

“The Vortex,” directed by Richard Zelniker and written by Steven Barr and Zelniker, is an 81-minute descent into the smoky, neon-lit world of 1980s Las Vegas—a city that, in this film, feels more like purgatory than paradise.

The film opens with an eerie timestamp: a Native Paiute cleaning woman (Emily Alabi) enters the MGM Grand Casino’s slot room, unknowingly setting off a chain of strange, almost supernatural events. From there, the story pivots to Pete (Billy Gardell), a washed-up comedian with a gambling addiction. Like many addicts, Pete masks his self-destruction behind humor, serving as an informal “shrink” to Vegas hustlers, mobsters, and debt collectors—a menagerie of broken souls who haunt the city’s underbelly.

Pete’s addiction shapes every corner of his lonely existence. He’s desperate, delusional, and caught between self-awareness and denial. And while the third act lands with genuine impact (no spoilers here), it’s unfortunate that the viewer must endure two uneven acts to get there.

Zelniker’s direction is stylized but uneven. His choice of a jazz soundtrack feels misplaced; neither 1980s Las Vegas nor its casino culture evokes jazz. Perhaps the director intended to add emotional depth, but instead, the music jars against the grit of the story.

Billy Gardell, best known for his comedic roles, is an intriguing casting choice. From his first scene, he radiates fragility—his eyes sad, dull, his voice light as a feather, his body language defeated. He looks like a man hanging on by a single frayed thread, and Gardell’s understated performance lends the film its rare moments of authenticity.

Despite its brisk runtime, “The Vortex” often feels like a one-act play, not a movie, as it's usually confined to a single set—a backroom filled with slot machines where Pete’s world is collapsing in slow motion. 

Remember, he is an addict.  He owes money—of course, he does—and his encounters with the enforcer Jimmy (Christopher Titus) push him to the edge. 

Not all supporting characters leave an impression (perhaps that's on purpose to underscore the real feel of Las Vegas), but actress Azita Ghanizada’s as Shirin B, the wife of Pete’s friend Johnnie (Jeremy Luke), provides the film’s brief moral compass. When she asks Pete, “So, what are you gonna do, Pete? This town is sick… so many are living in a pipe dream,” she offers him a sliver of redemption—a lifeline he predictably ignores.

Gamblers rarely walk away, and Pete is no exception.

“The Vortex” is ultimately a morality tale disguised as a Vegas noir—a cautionary story about addiction, loneliness, and the illusion of control. It’s flawed but occasionally hypnotic, buoyed by Gardell’s raw vulnerability. By the time the credits roll, the viewer may not feel satisfied, but they will feel something—perhaps pity, perhaps recognition—of how easily the vortex of vice can pull a soul under.

Film Credits:
Title: “The Vortex”
Director: Richard Zelniker
Writers: Steven Barr, Richard Zelniker
Runtime: 81 minutes
Genre: Drama / Mystery

Cast:
Billy Gardell (Pete)
Jaina Lee Ortiz (Ginny)
Jamie McShane (The Pit Boss)
Christopher Titus (Jimmy)
Azita Ghanizada (Shirin B)
Emily Alabi (Jackie)
Nick Gomez (The Tech)
Jeremy Luke (Johnnie B)
Nick Gracer (“Left Hook” Louie)