You'd be forgiven for not knowing who Maurice Flitcroft is. Notoriously known as "the world's worst golfer", Flitcroft is the focal point of Craig Roberts' The Phantom of the Open, the writer-director's third film to date - but you won't need a prior understanding of golf to be completely charmed by this satisfying feature.
An unrelenting optimist, Maurice Flitcroft from Manchester decides to enter the British Open Golf Tournament as a professional despite never picking up a club in his life. Armed only with an unrelenting optimism to chase whatever it is you want, Flitcroft makes waves in a world that doesn't want anything to do with his dreams. Starring Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins and Rhys Ifans, The Phantom of the Open tells the true story as written in 'The Phantom of the Open, Maurice Flitcroft: The World's Worst Golfer'.
In what is undoubtedly a contender for the most delightful and surprising film of the year, The Phantom of the Open is an immensely enjoyable and joyously British flick whose positive message feels incredibly needed and a breathe of fresh air in today's world. After balancing his second feature (Eternal Beauty) so superbly, Craig Roberts continues to demonstrate himself as one of the most empathetic directors working today, crafting a thoughtful and deeply caring ode to both working-class families and the dreamer within us all. With such aplomb, Roberts conjures a tale that champions the underdog, celebrates difference and encourages optimism, with fantastical artistic flourishes that elevate what could have simply been a very straightforward biopic.
Written by Paddington 2 star and co-writer, Simon Farnaby, it makes complete and utter sense that this film is such a charming experience. Embellished with love and respect for its central family despite running the risk of belittling them for such a remarkably unblemished outlook. While undoubtedly conventional, Farnaby uses the familiarity we gain from the narrative's structure to grow our attachment to Flitcroft even stronger -- he's like your neighbour down the road, the man on the table next to you in the pub, and the everyman he is portrayed as is one you cannot help but root for. Not all of the humour works, particularly that which leans slapstick, but the ratio is far in the favour of hit than miss.
Mark Rylance brings an affability to the role of Flitcroft that makes spending time with him so enjoyable. As with everyone involved in the project, Rylance approaches the character with a thoughtfulness, never taking himself too seriously but rendering the character with such humanity that lingers across the entire film. Likewise, national treasure Sally Hawkins plays to her earnest strength, showcasing an emotional depth that - as is rightly recognised in the film's final moments - makes her the very heart and soul of the show. It is all-around excellent work from the uniformly strong ensemble, but Rylance and Hawkins are the stars that shine brightest.
Essentially the Eddie the Eagle of the green, The Phantom of the Open is a truly delightful and endlessly heartwarming picture that audiences should welcome with open arms. Armed with enough sincerity to overwhelm the coldest of hearts, and a terrific ensemble of talent (in front of and behind the camera) all singing from the same hymn sheet, The Phantom of the Open's story of the underdog resonates so deeply due to the compassion it is presented to us with. Another massive victory for Craig Roberts.