This is not a golf movie. Rather, golf is merely the canvas for a story about redemption, self-forgiveness, and finding love when you aren't looking. All packed into a tight little 71 minute film. I was looking for something to pass the time until bed, and I stumbled into this wonderful experience. Deeply touching and remarkably well-conceived and directed. I highly recommend this film for an hour of introspection and resurrection of the soul.
23 Reviews
Had a better chat with my ex-gf
lawrencedarby9 January 2022
Loved it!
kindajacob8 August 2021
Mostly a dull character study of a golfer trying to find his mojo, almost no actual golf. I rate it "4" of "10".
TxMike22 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I found this small movie on Amazon streaming. It has a high IMDb rating because quite a number of "new" accounts posted very short, glowing reviews with a "10" rating. I don't trust any of those. At best this is probably a "4" or "5" movie, interesting if your expectations aren't too high and you like character studies.
The movie intrigued me because I am a golfer and The Open is the oldest and arguably the most world-wide famous golf tournament. Although most of it is filmed on a golf course (Golf At Goodwood in West Sussex) it really has very little golf in it. The core of the story is that the golfer and his brother, who was his caddie, had a close relationship. But now with his brother gone his golf game as been dormant and he has lost his mojo. Now a few years later he wants to qualify for the Open and spends lonely days on a seemingly deserted golf course, honing his game for the qualifying rounds.
The movie is a product of Jack Eve (younger brother of actress Alice Eve) who conceived the story, wrote the screenplay, produced, and is in the main role as golfer Steve. One day a lady is jogging and finds herself on the golf course and encounters Steve. He doesn't chase her off, he gets to know her. In her surrogate role as Bagger Vance she eventually becomes his caddie and even though she knows nothing about golf, is able to recommend the right club for the next shot.
This is an interesting character study of a golfer but has almost no actual golf in it. For what it is, it is mostly well-made but little of the dialog rings true. It definitely seems like I was watching people making a movie rather than observing realistic characters. All-in-all it seems a bit long for the depth of the story. It is a "so what" movie, mainly interesting to friends and family of Jack Eve.
The movie intrigued me because I am a golfer and The Open is the oldest and arguably the most world-wide famous golf tournament. Although most of it is filmed on a golf course (Golf At Goodwood in West Sussex) it really has very little golf in it. The core of the story is that the golfer and his brother, who was his caddie, had a close relationship. But now with his brother gone his golf game as been dormant and he has lost his mojo. Now a few years later he wants to qualify for the Open and spends lonely days on a seemingly deserted golf course, honing his game for the qualifying rounds.
The movie is a product of Jack Eve (younger brother of actress Alice Eve) who conceived the story, wrote the screenplay, produced, and is in the main role as golfer Steve. One day a lady is jogging and finds herself on the golf course and encounters Steve. He doesn't chase her off, he gets to know her. In her surrogate role as Bagger Vance she eventually becomes his caddie and even though she knows nothing about golf, is able to recommend the right club for the next shot.
This is an interesting character study of a golfer but has almost no actual golf in it. For what it is, it is mostly well-made but little of the dialog rings true. It definitely seems like I was watching people making a movie rather than observing realistic characters. All-in-all it seems a bit long for the depth of the story. It is a "so what" movie, mainly interesting to friends and family of Jack Eve.
Overrated
januszlvii22 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I cannot believe all the reviews here. They are treating Open like The Godfather with the 9 and 10 star reviews. It is not even as good as golf films like Tin Cup. Am I saying it is bad? No but it is below average. . It should have concluded with Steve and Naomi ( who became his caddy and love Interest) qualifying for the Open. Spoilers ahead; Instead the film ends with Steve and his dead brother. The scenes with Naomi were the best in the movie and we needed to see them together off the golf course. As a matter of fact, except for the kiss you would have no idea they are a couple. One MAJOR problem is the film is not long enough. Except for the comment about her dress you get no idea Steve likes Naomi in a romantic way until the kiss and that was their final scene together. Anyway. I give it 4/10 stars. Below average and very overrated.
A very engaging movie!
dimanadimitrov3 August 2021
Refreshing authentic quality
williambass-643261 August 2021
So many movies fall short on content and to compensate stack on the gizmos: effects, violence, you know the standard fare..
That this movies takes place on the quiet of an empty golf course in the quiet of the day between two characters (and a third close by) and remains utterly captivating speaks to the beauty of its presentation and depth. Its real life, albiet real life at its very best: one of those magical rare moments of honesty and connection. The acting is spot on, the dialogue charming and well measured, the visual and setting as much a character as the actors themselves.
So many movies go full "Hollywood", that overblown over the top if one scoop of sugar or explosion is good then more must be better. If those are cheap fast food full of cheap ingredients, the "Open" is an organic salad. Its a beautiful story where technique dissolves and the viewer is allowed without distraction to step into the story itself. Like that salad, one is left feeling all the better for it.
That this movies takes place on the quiet of an empty golf course in the quiet of the day between two characters (and a third close by) and remains utterly captivating speaks to the beauty of its presentation and depth. Its real life, albiet real life at its very best: one of those magical rare moments of honesty and connection. The acting is spot on, the dialogue charming and well measured, the visual and setting as much a character as the actors themselves.
So many movies go full "Hollywood", that overblown over the top if one scoop of sugar or explosion is good then more must be better. If those are cheap fast food full of cheap ingredients, the "Open" is an organic salad. Its a beautiful story where technique dissolves and the viewer is allowed without distraction to step into the story itself. Like that salad, one is left feeling all the better for it.
Brilliant little film
poolguy-0806420 February 2022
What a rewarding watch!
terrymughan29 July 2021
Jack Eve is the main player in this movie, in more ways than one. Actor, director, scriptwriter, editor. He lets his brother in in charge of the music and is joined by two great young actors, most notably Pippa Bennett-Warner as the love interest.
The setting of the South Downs in England is beautiful and the story unfolds smoothly. Sporting aspiration, recent tragedy, re-surfacing and a human tornado entering his life. Flashbacks, edits from earlier Open Championships and personal turmoil.
The plot moves along very nicely and the dialogue is witty and charming. Lots to think about and admire in this great Summer movie.
The setting of the South Downs in England is beautiful and the story unfolds smoothly. Sporting aspiration, recent tragedy, re-surfacing and a human tornado entering his life. Flashbacks, edits from earlier Open Championships and personal turmoil.
The plot moves along very nicely and the dialogue is witty and charming. Lots to think about and admire in this great Summer movie.
A well done movie.
justinth-571802 August 2021
Golf, who would have thought
jbrock-852615 September 2021
I came across this movie by chance. I wasn't drawn to it because I love golf, far from it. The trailer just had two interesting people talking. By the movie's end, I had an understanding why people love the game. Who would have thought! More importantly, is was a subtle, smart intelligent movie about two people moving towards each other. I had to watch it twice, because I didn't believe I loved a movie about golf. But I did!
Beautiful Movie. A Must!
tonica-1102713 October 2021
What a beautiful experience this movie was for me. I have to say, I happened upon this movie. Still not sure what drew me to it. I was not particularly fond of golf, but always enjoyed a walk on landscaped turf. Curiosity brought me to it, but the well written, beautifully acted characters made me stay. The movie was both witty and entertaining. You feel both emotional and cognitive empathy. Almost catharsis and then joy. Poetry in motion and one to remember.
P. S. I can see the beauty of golf now... "Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball as it lies." Bobby Jones.
P. S. I can see the beauty of golf now... "Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball as it lies." Bobby Jones.
I LOVED IT!!!
zellymcadam13 August 2021
When I saw the trailer for this film, I immediately looked for it, found it, and watched it! Twice! And I LOVED IT! Naomi and Steve were amazing. Great actors. The way the whole film was executed was genius. I loved the main plot, the individual stories, their banter, their chemistry, the message of the film, and the videography as well. They also had really good inspirational quotes! I really loved it. Been awhile since I watched something I wanted to watch over and over and keep coming back to it. This is it. Those who haven't watched it, do!
Also Jack Eve acted, directed, wrote it, and produced it as well! He really outdid himself. That alone is inspirational! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 P. S. Did I mention how gorgeous Pippa Bennett-Warner was and how well she played Naomi's character!! In some places she kinda reminded me of Olivia Pope. I loved her! 💕
Also Jack Eve acted, directed, wrote it, and produced it as well! He really outdid himself. That alone is inspirational! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 P. S. Did I mention how gorgeous Pippa Bennett-Warner was and how well she played Naomi's character!! In some places she kinda reminded me of Olivia Pope. I loved her! 💕
Beautiful !!
TheDyingGirl11 August 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The acting, the story... it was just perfect. I loved how their personalities complemented each other. Probably one of my favourite movies this year. Furthermore the chemistry between the main characters was strong as !
There are few things I'll write a review for!
ktbartron7 February 2022
It's amazing how something that fills the span of time similar to lunch out with friends could be so much more rewarding, and filling!
I've seen this movie several times and each time I walk away feeling full, yet always wanting more.
The on screen chemistry between Jack and Pippa belies an untold history between them or maybe that's just the great acting by two performers that have worked very hard to hone their craft.
All the characters were believable and relatable, again a credit to the writing, the directing and the actors themselves.
There is nothing worse then when u order ur meal and ur steak is over done, it's eatable but not enjoyable, that wasn't the case here, it was envibed with subtlety and nuance, the banter was believable and natural, the flavors blended well as a great meal often does.
I enjoyed the honesty of the piece, it didn't promise more then it could deliver but what it gave u exceeded your expectations.
A great chef blends the talents of those around him, utilizes the best ingredients and doesn't over saturate the dish with over powering spices, a dash of this, a hint of that and viola a meal that u can't get out of your mind and you want to have again,.... soon......
The interactions between Steve and Naomi were real, honest, and natural and anyone whose had that experience, that "click", that "spark", that "it" knows it, it's intoxicating.....
I walked away full, and drunk......I look forward to watching it again.
I've seen this movie several times and each time I walk away feeling full, yet always wanting more.
The on screen chemistry between Jack and Pippa belies an untold history between them or maybe that's just the great acting by two performers that have worked very hard to hone their craft.
All the characters were believable and relatable, again a credit to the writing, the directing and the actors themselves.
There is nothing worse then when u order ur meal and ur steak is over done, it's eatable but not enjoyable, that wasn't the case here, it was envibed with subtlety and nuance, the banter was believable and natural, the flavors blended well as a great meal often does.
I enjoyed the honesty of the piece, it didn't promise more then it could deliver but what it gave u exceeded your expectations.
A great chef blends the talents of those around him, utilizes the best ingredients and doesn't over saturate the dish with over powering spices, a dash of this, a hint of that and viola a meal that u can't get out of your mind and you want to have again,.... soon......
The interactions between Steve and Naomi were real, honest, and natural and anyone whose had that experience, that "click", that "spark", that "it" knows it, it's intoxicating.....
I walked away full, and drunk......I look forward to watching it again.
Pure
pkobrien-5010230 December 2021
The message of this film is pure. It displays the pure beauty of golf. Sometimes words unspoken, silence, pain. A pure outlet. I did ask, "when's her story", and right at that moment, it was delivered. Their journey, on one private day walking the course was beautiful. In life, keeping things built up inside can drive you mad and it's unproductive towards your personal growth. Golf is pure vulnerability, your true colors will show. If you manage to find a perfect blend, even for one hole, your day is made. If you find a perfect blend with love, compassion, understanding and balance, your life will be made. For that, you'll be unstoppable.
Great story
toni2000627 November 2021
Because of the back & forth of real golf tournaments, & childhood photos, I really thought this was based on our in-house by a true story. The writing & editing was spot on. I also wanted more. But it was good. Not a golf lover, have watched a tournament or two, but not a follower of the game. The chemistry between the 2 main characters & between the brothers were very good. Great story telling.
What a Perfect Indie Gem!
info-9070127 October 2021
Jack Eve, brother of actor Alice Eve, and his film school mate Pippa Bennett-Warner, deliver a delightful slice of life in this wonderful, understated yet brilliant film. I learned more about golf than I ever thought I wanted to know!
Great film and an outstanding show of strength for a Writer/Director who has cut his teeth on shorts, before moving into feature length films. He is proof that learning to write and make films the right way pays off.
Bravo to all involved!
Great film and an outstanding show of strength for a Writer/Director who has cut his teeth on shorts, before moving into feature length films. He is proof that learning to write and make films the right way pays off.
Bravo to all involved!
Very Engaging
blu_am_i28 July 2021
Make no mistake, this is a limited budget movie.
But great movie makers always start somewhere!
And I found this movie to be very engaging.
I watched it because I love sports movies....it was less about sport and more about interaction between two people attracted to one another.
It's probably not for everyone, but it's certainly for thinkers.
But great movie makers always start somewhere!
And I found this movie to be very engaging.
I watched it because I love sports movies....it was less about sport and more about interaction between two people attracted to one another.
It's probably not for everyone, but it's certainly for thinkers.
Great chemistry
rcjones-274928 June 2022
Surprisingly Introspective
reogarvin21 April 2023
This movie probably isn't a 10 but is definitely better than a six and I think more people would watch it if I help to boost it's rating, but in the end I decided to go with a true 8.
I am an occasional golfer but I don't think you need to play the game. I know nothing about the creators of this film but I wish Hollywood did as good a job telling a story with people I can like. I don't know the actors or actress in this film but I plan to look them up and see if they are in anything else. I don't have much else to add but for some reason they want an unusually large amount of characters for me to post this review.
I am an occasional golfer but I don't think you need to play the game. I know nothing about the creators of this film but I wish Hollywood did as good a job telling a story with people I can like. I don't know the actors or actress in this film but I plan to look them up and see if they are in anything else. I don't have much else to add but for some reason they want an unusually large amount of characters for me to post this review.
Hidden Gem
claymuench12 April 2022
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