The Phantom of the Open movie review: A charming, yet inspirational story

Sony Pictures Classic continues to churn out some of the best films year in and year out. They have a new movie coming out this weekend, The Phantom of the Open, and I will share my review and whether you should check it out or not.

The film follows Maurice Flitcroft, who has a dream just like any of us. One day, he sees golf on the TV and decides he wants to be a golfer. He managed to enter The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and followed to shoot the worst round in Open history.

I wasn’t familiar with Flitcroft’s story before watching the film and I am genuinely blown away by Simon Farnaby’s adaptation of this charming story. The way he can balance this outlandish, but true story with comedy, drama, and a massive heart of inspiration is truly exceptional. It’s one of my favorite scripts in recent times.

The Phantom of the Open mixes charm with inspiration for a heartfelt film

"If life were a cup of tea, my Jean is the sugar."

Mark Rylance is downright incredible in the role of Maurice. Taking this character that went from just a regular dad to an overnight sensation and bringing it to life in a way that charms us, makes us laugh but ultimately makes us root for his journey was brilliant. Rylance continues to thrive in this space and we get rewarded within every film he is in. However, I do believe that Sally Hawkins was equally as brilliant in the role of his wife, Jean. She played the perfect and supportive wife to balance out this wild story.

Craig Roberts brings his A-game in the director’s chair in bringing Simon Farnaby’s script and Maurice’s story to life. Even within the little moments of dream-like atmosphere that Maurice has, those moments are brilliantly shot that captivate you. Another standout was the soundtrack which for the era isn’t shocking how great it is, but they still got some incredible songs to be a part of the film.

Overall, The Phantom of the Open is a brilliant film everyone needs to check out. If you are a fan of golf, you will love this. If you are a fan of inspirational stories, you will love this. You won’t want to miss this one.

The Phantom of the Open opens in select theaters on June 3, 2022.