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Many people have some kind of wild and crazy dream—something that they can’t help but daydream about, even though it’s entirely impossible. But The Phantom of the Open tells the true story of one man who got the chance to shoot for his ultimate dream—no matter how high the odds were stacked against him.
The Phantom of the Open stars Mark Rylance as lovable optimist Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator who learns that his job at the shipyard might be on the line. After years of sacrificing his own dreams for his family, his wife, Jean (Sally Hawkins), encourages him to find something he’s truly passionate about—and that’s when he discovers golf. Maurice dreams of winning the British Open—and, somehow, he’s entered into the 1976 tournament, despite never playing a single round. And though he shoots the worst round in history, he keeps trying to return.
After Maurice is first introduced to golf—accidentally, on TV late one night—as he practices on the beach and in his yard, and as he shows up for what could quite possibly be an absolutely disastrous day at the British Open, viewers will fall in love with this eternally upbeat champion-in-training. He’s lovably awkward yet so incredibly upbeat and positive—whether he’s encouraging his twin sons in their dreams of becoming disco dancing champions or enjoying each and every moment at the Open. His enthusiasm is absolutely infectious—as evidenced by the crowds that grow around him as he’s golfing. And even when he receives the highest-ever score at the Open, there’s a moment when he returns home, as he’s sitting in his car before going inside, instead of quietly falling apart from sheer humiliation, he simply smiles to himself and enjoys the moment.
So much about this character seems so cringe-worthy: his constant optimism in spite of his absolute failure, the way he continues to put himself out in the public despite being laughed at, the way he fights to return to the Open. At times, that makes his story incredibly uncomfortable. But Mark Rylance makes him so very charming that you can’t help but root for him—and maybe be inspired by his enthusiasm, too.
The Phantom of the Open isn’t the typical against-all-odds underdog story. It’s the story of optimism and enthusiasm and determination—and about the joy that can be found in the journey. It’s such a strange, comical story—but there’s something about this character that makes it so uplifting, too.
The Phantom of the Open has been gradually opening in select theaters since June 3, 2022. Check your local listings to find out if it’s playing near you.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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