Master Gardener

Behind the formal and immaculate magnolia-lined façade, Master Gardener examines the roots of some troubled souls haunted by troubled pasts.

In the latest drama from venerable director Paul Schrader (First Reformed), the elaborate garden itself is both a setting and a metaphor, or at least the flora and fauna within it — a source of tranquility and turmoil, growth and decay.

However, despite some intriguing character dynamics, the film’s muted emotions and muddled allegory keep this introspective morality tale in the weeds.

“Gardening is a belief in the future — a belief that things will happen according to plan,” explains Narvel (Joel Edgerton) in his opening narration. But of course, he winds up foreshadowing exactly the opposite.

Narvel is the meticulous grounds superintendent at Gracewood Gardens, a historic Deep South estate owned by Mrs. Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver), a wealthy dowager who treasures the surroundings and views Narvel as an indispensable personal assistant who can satisfy any of her needs.

However, their relationship shifts after she agrees to board her wayward great-niece, Maya (Quintessa Swindell), for the summer and insists that Narvel train the young woman as an apprentice.

Maya is biracial, which factors into her feeling uneasy about the arrangement. But her comfort level increases as she takes an interest in her work, and Narvel becomes more than just a professional mentor.

Yet he remains guarded about his past for good reason, since a particular skeleton in the closet could forever change his life and drive a wedge between the two women closest to him.

As secrets and hostilities are gradually revealed, the film transitions into a low-key psychological thriller driven by more formulaic elements and contrivances.

Schrader’s multilayered screenplay is stuffed with botanical terminology and horticultural symbolism, which perhaps is a reflection of his personal affinity for the subject, the depth of his research, or both.

At any rate, the understated performances shine during some powerfully intimate if intentionally uncomfortable exchanges that expose vulnerabilities and a shared inability to escape past misgivings.

The film is less convincing in its effort to skewer toxic masculinity and ideological extremism. Narvel’s redemption never feels fully earned, and Master Gardener struggles to bloom.

Rated R, 110 minutes.