May. 19, 2023|Australia|110 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: Master Gardener is a 2022 American crime thriller written and directed by Paul Schrader, featuring Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, and Quintessa Swindell. The film premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2022, and was released in the United States on May 19, 2023, by Magnolia Pictures.
The story follows Narvel Roth, a skilled horticulturist managing Gracewood Gardens, a luxurious estate owned by Mrs. Haverhill, with whom he shares a secret affair. Unbeknownst to his gardening team, Roth is a former White supremacist in witness protection. He had betrayed his former group after refusing to harm a black preacher’s wife and daughter. Haunted by his past, Roth finds comfort in journaling, concealing his tattoos under his gardening attire, and immersing himself in the meticulous art of gardening, which he sees as a symbol of hope for the future.
Mrs. Haverhill instructs Roth to mentor her recently orphaned grandniece, Maya, so she can eventually take over the estate. Though initially resistant and distant from her aunt, Maya gradually forms a bond with Roth. When Maya is attacked by her drug dealer, R.G., Roth uses his connections to intimidate him. Maya attempts to seduce Roth, but he rejects her advances. Mrs. Haverhill witnesses Roth leaving Maya’s room, leading her to fire both of them in a fit of jealousy.
Roth and Maya decide to leave together, stopping at Maya’s apartment, where she uses drugs one last time, and Roth confronts R.G. and his associate Sissy. As they travel, Roth begins to open up to Maya, eventually revealing his tattoos, which stun her. He assures her he is a changed man, and they share an intimate moment, during which Maya insists he remove the tattoos permanently.
Their journey takes a darker turn when Roth learns that R.G. and Sissy have vandalized Gracewood Gardens, forcing him to confront the lingering shadows of his past.
Cast director: Paul Schrader
Cast actor: Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, Quintessa Swindell, Esai Morales, Eduardo Losan, Rick Cosnett, Victoria Hill, Amy Le, Samuel Ali, Erika Ashley
Original name: Master Gardener