The Bet (1997 film)

The Bet is a 1997 American crime thriller film directed by Ted Demme. It stars Billy Bob Thornton, Kelly Lynch, and John Travolta. The plot centers around three friends who make a high-stakes bet centered on whether one of them can successfully complete a seemingly impossible task. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, greed, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. While sometimes classified as a dark comedy, the film primarily operates within the suspense and crime genres. The narrative features plot twists and explores the moral ambiguities of its characters. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising the performances of the lead actors, while others criticized the plot as being predictable or unoriginal.