This short film follows Brady Thornhill, a teenager whose gambling addiction leads him into a cycle of payday loans, mounting debt, and online gambling. As his financial situation spirals out of control, the consequences begin to affect every aspect of his life, leaving him feeling trapped and increasingly hopeless. Through Brady's story, the film highlights the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on young people and the dangers of chasing losses through borrowed money.
TOPICS: Behavioural Addictions, Gambling Disorder, Suicide, Youth
Filmmaker Michelle Wong shares the story of her brother Phillip, whose struggle with gambling addiction had a devastating impact on both his life and those closest to him. Speaking with family members, friends, and professionals, she pieces together the events that shaped his addiction while exploring the emotional toll it left on those closest to him. Through personal reflection and expert insight, the documentary offers a moving examination of gambling disorder, loss, and the lasting effects of addiction on individuals and families.
Joy's story explores the devastating consequences of gambling addiction after she embezzled $700,000 employers to support her gambling. As she awaits sentencing, she reflects on the choices that led to her crimes while trying to help both herself and her children understand the grip of addiction. Alongside her personal story, the documentary features insights from addiction professionals who explain the psychological and neurological factors behind gambling disorder, offering a broader understanding of how behavioural addictions develop and why recovery can be so challenging.
