Film

The Phantom of the Open

Name: The Phantom of the Open
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2022
Cast: Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Jonah Lees, Christian Lees, Jake Davies

Biopic
Light-hearted

A warm, funny film about Maurice Flitcroft, a self-taught golfer who gatecrashed the 1976 British Open qualifying and spectacularly failed—then became a beloved symbol of joyful refusal to accept limits. Mark Rylance is luminous as the dreamer. It's feel-good without being saccharine, rooted in character and genuine affection for the absurd.

TMDb rating

3.4

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you like gentle underdog comedies where kindness and stubborn self-belief carry more weight than the sporting result, and you enjoy Mark Rylance playing a man who seems not to notice the joke.

Skip it if you need brisk pacing or sharp, cynical satire, since this is warm and unhurried, and its gentle sweetness may feel too soft if you want the comedy to bite.

What it asks of you: Settle in for a modest 106 minutes that take their time, moving at an easy amble with a mild, affectionate tone rather than gags every few seconds.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

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The Full Monty1997

Unemployed British men find dignity and joy through an absurd plan. It has the same blend of humor and genuine heart, the same celebration of misfits refusing to be invisible, and it actually makes you care about all of them.

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Rush2013

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But If you don't care about Formula 1, the technical detail might feel excessive. It's also considerably darker in tone than Phantom.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from The Phantom of the Open

The wildcard

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