The 11th Green

The 11th Green is a thought-provoking and intricate 2020 sci-fi film, which might intrigue fans of intellectual cinema. Directed by Christopher Munch, it offers a fascinating blend of political commentary, mystery, and historical revisionism combined with elements of suspense and extraterrestrial intrigue. Against this backdrop, Campbell Scott, Agnes Bruckner, and George Gerdes offer credible portrayals that challenge and engage audiences in equal measure.

The film follows the protagonist, Jeremy Rudd (Campbell Scott), a seasoned investigative journalist based in LA in the movie, who inherits a seemingly simple estate matter from his father. The house overlooks the 11th green of a desert golf course, and Jeremy finds himself confronted with a place that’s ripe with layers of unexpected and unusual happenings. On the face of it, Jeremy is initially somewhat lost in the winds of change caused by the death of his estranged father, negotiating personal anguish and mounting professional responsibilities.

Jeremy is a serious journalist with a reputation for hard-hitting investigations, but the circumstances surrounding his father's death and the odd occurrences force him to revisit his past and consider the existence of secrets and shadows he'd long since dismissed. It's not long until Jeremy is pulled deeper into a labyrinth of supernatural occurrences, political intrigue, and conspiracy theories - all somehow pointing back to his father and a string of bizarre historical events.

Along for the ride is his old flame, Laurie Larkspur (Agnes Bruckner), a former Hollywood actress trying to escape the trappings of her past. She might be the only person who can keep Jeremy grounded during his mysterious investigation as she is determined to help him make sense of the chaos. Their reunion ends up being more than just a walk down memory lane, the rekindling of a romance, or the chance to solve a mystery; it morphs into a drawn-out, cosmic struggle between the seen and unseen forces shaping their reality.

Scott and Bruckner both excel in their roles, their characters visibly affected by the weight of psychological pressure brought on by this unusual and highly complicated situation. Scott as Jeremy is enigmatic, yet grounded, and you can't help but be drawn into his journey. Equal position holds Bruckner as she strikes a careful balance between the factors of her character's past career, fragile present, and uncertain future. Gerdes as President Eisenhower brings an unforeseen depth to what might otherwise be a secondary character.

Apart from the compelling performances, another notable feature of The 11th Green is its intricately woven narrative that does not shy away from complexity. The film’s dramatic and open-ended narrative strings are tied into a closed loop, seamlessly blending political events from the past with the captivating story in the present. Furthermore, the film starts to blur the lines between what is Earthly and what is alien, challenging preconceived notions of history and reality from a whole new perspective.

Apart from the plot, the aesthetic of the film is noteworthy as well. The beauty of the mundane is not lost amidst the strangeness as The 11th Green paints a vivid and subtle picture of the everyday life surrounding Jeremy. The desert scenery, the panorama of the golf course, the imagery of the sky, and spontaneous apparitions create a visual spectacle that complements the story well.

Finally, one of the film's critical triumphs is its balance of pacing. By blending elements of a political thriller with the mystery of a supernatural narrative, the film's pacing is expertly managed, leaving the audience in suspense throughout.

In conclusion, The 11th Green (2020) is a complex dive into a storyline that frames reality against a backdrop of political intrigue and an alien mystery. It's an intellectual film that rewards circumstantial consideration and, at the same time, an intimate examination of its protagonists' malleable realities. For those drawn to well-acted, socially relevant, thought-provoking narratives served with a side of supernatural, The 11th Green is a must-watch.