Even Money: Synopsis

Even Money is a ferociously compelling drama that follows the lives of nine individuals as their fates become increasingly entwined in a web of addiction and gambling, culminating at one critical moment where their lives will be lost or reclaimed.

In Even Money there are no safe places, no one is left untouched - gamblers are mothers, brothers, dreamers and lovers. As the narrative unravels, we come to understand that addiction has no loyalty to race, age or life circumstances. Addiction is random, wreaking havoc on those individuals who are drawn into its seductive world of quick fixes and escapism, to those unsuspecting souls who are caught in its devastating wake.

Under a moonless night, a body washes up on the shore. Across town, a desperate woman searches for a lucky one-armed bandit that will let her win back her and her husband's life savings, while her unsuspecting family prepares dinner. In the urban sprawl, a janitor's debts spiral out of control forcing him to ask his younger brother to risk his future by shaving points on a game. A woman falls in love with a man who uses violence to ensure that debts are paid on time. Even Money is a provocative journey through a cross-section of American society where addiction takes hold and becomes an insatiable hunger.

Director Mark Rydell explores the emotionally charged world of addiction and how the ripple effect of seemingly unrelated events can cause a chain reaction that shatters dreams and tests the boundaries of love and forgiveness. Even Money stars Kim Basinger, Nick Cannon, Danny DeVito, Kelsey Grammer, Carla Gugino, Ray Liotta, Jay Mohr, Tim Roth, Grant Sullivan, and Forest Whitaker.

Carolyn Carver (Kim Basinger) is a writer with a gambling addiction that threatens to destroy her marriage and family. She meets a washed-up magician (Danny DeVito) who promises that he can help. Meanwhile, Godfrey Snow (Nick Cannon) is a star college basketball player who shaves points to help his brother, Clyde (Forrest Whittaker), get even. A small-time bookie (Grant Kramer) tries to win over the love his life, Veronica (Carla Gugino). Victor (Tim Roth), a sadistic criminal, attempts to control an uncontrollable world. All the while Detective Brunner (Kelsey Grammar) follows the trail of a mysterious death.