Narvel (Joel Edgerton) is responsible for maintaining the garden at the luxurious home of Mrs. Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver). While he is busy preparing the garden for the Spring Charity Auction, Mrs. Haverhill requests a private meeting with him. During their conversation, she asks Narvel to do her a favour that involves her troubled niece, Maya, portrayed by Quintessa Swindell. Narvel is asked to train Maya as an apprentice and teach her how to take care of the garden and its history. Without any delay, Narvel accepts the request and takes Maya under his wing. After meeting with Maya, Narvel explains the rules and procedures that have been asked of him. Maya is surprised at first but eventually accepts Narvel's terms and outlines. However, as Narvel becomes more involved in helping Maya, he discovers that there is more to her current lifestyle than meets the eye. Unfortunately, Narvel carries a darker past and secret, which begin to surface due to his recent involvement. This puts him in a difficult situation as he tries to remain in the shadows, but it's unclear whether his entire past will eventually come to light. "Master Gardener" is a slow-burning drama with minor elements of mystery, directed by Paul Schrader, who is best known for his works in "Taxi Driver", "The Card Counter", and "First Reformed". The plot starts with a straightforward storyline where Narvel is supposed to teach Maya about gardening. However, as with some of the director's past films, we soon realize that there is much more to this story and the leading characters than what viewers had initially thought. Once the film reaches its midpoint, viewers will witness a dramatic shift in the storyline, accompanied by significant character developments. Overall, It's impressive to see Director Paul Schrader, known for films like Taxi Driver and The Card Counter, deliver yet another slow-burning drama with a touch of mystery. The film's gardening themes are pleasing, and the unexpected revelations about the main characters keep you curious. Joel Edgerton and Sigourney Weaver's acting is solid, and the first half of the movie is captivating to watch. Unfortunately, the second half doesn't hold up as well, and it feels less exciting and interesting. The story takes a significant turn, making it more challenging to sit through. Quintessa Swindell's portrayal of Maya can be off-putting and awkward at times. All in all, Master Gardener is a mixed bag, with some enjoyable elements mixed in with a few less impressive ones. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com