Master Gardener is a morally murky work of art, but it leaves us no doubt about Schrader’s belief in the possibilities of forgiveness.

Master Gardener supposedly has a contemporary setting. Yet it feels out of time, or belonging to a long gone era. Part of that is the profession of its lead character, and part is Mrs. Haverhill. Both seem like relics from another time and place.

The scale of ideas is big. American social and racial frictions are entertainingly engaged as we work our way towards a shoot-em-up denouement. At 76, more than 20 films into his storied career, Paul Schrader can still deliver a sucker punch.

Joel Edgerton and Quintessa Swindell give career-best performances in Paul Schrader’s Master Gardener.