Master Gardener (2022)
Narvel Roth, a stoic gardener haunted by a troubled past, finds solace and redemption tending to the exquisite gardens of a wealthy widow. When his peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious young woman, Narvel is forced to confront his demons and the secrets buried beneath the perfectly manicured lawns. (Bard AI)
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Master Gardener is, in one sense, a beautiful film to watch. The garden being tended by Roth is clearly meant to be understood as metaphorical, and the movie would be worth watching a second time to pick up more about the metaphorical elements.
Joel Edgerton is compelling as Narvel Roth, and his portrayal of the character is nuanced and captures the struggle for the redemption he yearns for and the inner turmoil that accompanies him day and night.
The themes explored in Master Gardener are complex—guilt, forgiveness, atonement, and the possibility of second chances. It makes for a satisfying atmosphere of mystery and suspense as the story slowly unravels Narvel’s past and what actually happened behind the young woman’s arrival at the garden. I was riveted.
The cinematography is stunning. I’m not really “into” gardening, but even I enjoyed the way the visuals showcased the beauty of the garden and the meticulous care taken in looking after it. It was a superb setting for the movie. The movie did feel slow at times, and the very deliberate pacing may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer a narrative that moves along quickly. And it’s important, when watching it, to make sure you stay fully engaged unless you miss something that is frequently communicated with gestures and silences. This does make some of the dialogue slightly cryptic. It would also have been good if some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, with more depth and nuance. Joel Edgerton definitely anchors the story, and Sigourney Weaver and Quintessa Swindell both do well.
Unfortunately, the film leaves some key questions unanswered, which might leave some viewers feeling frustrated. And as the story nears its end, it gets a little predictable and less surprising than the earlier parts of the story. These features of the movie, coupled with the slow pacing and the overall introspective nature of the movie, might not appeal to everyone.
I enjoyed Master Gardener, found it intriguing, and appreciated the strong performance of Edgerton and the stunning visuals of the garden. However, if you are not into slow-paced and introspective movies, it may not be for you. I would recommend this movie if you appreciate character-driven dramas, suspenseful mysteries, and stories about redemption.
(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)