'Molly's Game' - Aaron Sorkin's tale of a powerful woman in the high-stakes poker world

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- "Molly's Game" tells the story of an ultra-competitive woman who finds herself the queen of the high-stakes poker circuit.

When her world starts crumbling around her, Molly discovers that finding your own self-worth is more valuable than any amount of money or power.

It's based on a true story. And writer Aaron Sorkin knew he needed just the right actors for his directorial debut: Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.

"I had a lot of confidence in the two of them," Sorkin said. "Their ability to surprise even their biggest fans is astonishing."

The two actors loved the chance to recite Sorkin's words.

"When you're acting with someone like Idris there's this back and forth that's so exciting," said Chastain. "This sense of I'm really listening to him, and he's helping shape my performance, and you're really in the moment. So for me, it's fun. This is why I'm an actor."

"It is fun. And it is Aaron," said Elba. "We all love his writing. We grew up on it to some degree. It was a great experience, really fulfilling."

The themes Sorkin explores in "Molly's Game" - seeing a strong woman taking on the inequality and patriarchy in our society - mirrors what's happening in the world today.

"He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening in society like no one else in our industry," Chastain said.

"As it happens the movie is as relevant as it can possibly be right now," Sorkin said.

"Molly's Game" is in theaters now.