Master Gardener (2022) Thriller Movie Review
In a recent interview with Oscar Isaac, his co-star in "The Card Counter," Paul Schrader discussed the rebellious nature of his films. Schrader emphasized that being a "bad boy" doesn't necessarily mean causing trouble; for him, it was about challenging norms and stirring emotions through cinema.
Reflecting on Schrader's film "The Card Counter" from two years ago, where he referred to it as a "man at a table" movie, I observed a similar theme in his latest work, "Master Gardener." In this film, the opening credits showcase time-lapse photography of blooming flowers, immediately followed by a scene of Joel Edgerton, the lead actor, sitting at a table and writing in a journal.
%20Thriller%20Movie.jpg "Master Gardener (2022) Thriller Movie")
The story revolves around Edgerton's character, Narvel Roth, a master gardener working at a luxurious botanical garden owned by Sigourney Weaver's character, Norma Haverhill. Narvel's unique relationship with Norma unfolds, revealing his taciturn yet honest demeanor. Despite his expertise in gardening, it becomes clear that this hasn't always been his primary passion.
Narvel's journal entries, rich in plant information, also delve into unsettling flashbacks from his past. One entry describes a sensation similar to the tension before pulling a trigger. A peculiar detail is noticed - Narvel always wears long-sleeved shirts, even in warm weather. The mystery deepens when, one evening in his private residence, he unexpectedly strips to the waist in front of a mirror, leaving viewers puzzled and intrigued. During my initial viewing, this moment prompted me to question, "What is happening here?"
I wrote about "Master Gardener" after seeing it in Venice last year, and I'll keep it brief. Different critics might give you various perspectives on the plot, and Schrader has talked about it in recent interviews. If you have a chance to walk into the film without knowing too much, take it. It'll have a more significant impact that way.
The story kicks off when Miss Haverhill, after a charity gala discussion, assigns Narvel to take care of her niece, Maya. Maya, dealing with some "lifestyle issues," is biracial, smart, and beautiful, and she takes a liking to gardening. Things get complicated when Narvel, impressed by Maya, urges Norma to meet her. A tense lunch conversation unfolds, showcasing Schrader's great dialogue skills. The relationship between Maya and Norma deteriorates, leading to a violent incident, Narvel's attempt to seek help from law enforcement, and eventually, their expulsion from the garden.
The performances in the film are outstanding, with Quintessa Swindell and Joel Edgerton delivering powerful portrayals. Sigourney Weaver's performance is unlike anything you've seen from her before, adding a formal yet emotionally dynamic touch. Schrader's direction is simple but effective, with occasional moving shots by cinematographer Alexander Dynan.
Despite its generally quiet tone, "Master Gardener" is emotionally impactful, occasionally breaking into intense scenes. The film takes an optimistic turn, suggesting that people can undergo positive change. Schrader, being true to his style, delivers a great piece of art that meets the high standard he has set over the past decade.
The movie's remarkable score by Devonte Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, contributes to the overall magic, complementing the plant imagery throughout the film. The concluding song echoes a sentiment of not wanting to leave the world without expressing love. It seems Schrader believes that portraying love convincingly these days requires presenting it in its most improbable form.