At its center is a performance from Patel that walks the knife's edge between folly and vigor, between wisdom and lamentation, and between predetermination and doubt.

Lowery's elusive adaptation withholds its meaning up to and beyond that final image of a mossy stump. It's left to the viewer to puzzle out the ending for herself on the way home -- an invitation to another most excellent adventure.

Sprawling, strange and dreamlike, David Lowery's interpretation of Arthurian legend is ripe for our time, and Dev Patel is excellent as the headstrong Gawain.

A largely decent film, but I swear it struts around as if it is a masterpiece.