A rather taut suspense thriller/murder mystery, “Gardener” takes place in East Africa. The film also seems to be somewhat of a propaganda piece, uncovering a big drug company scandal under which Kenyan citizens are victimized. I’d spent a year in Kenya nearly a decade ago and recall no such plot. Still, the film gives you the sense of urgency apparently intended for its main characters. (The credits read, and I paraphrase, save for the last two words of the quote: “Not based on any actual persons or conditions, thank God.”)

Other than that, this is not a film genre I prefer. So, for those of you who like this genre, you can kindly disregard my opinion. I found the first third of the film rather interesting, enticing, and the African scenes warm wonderful and true. Around midpoint, the teasing tension becomes a bit tiresome and later tedious. I never felt the chemistry between Fiennes and Weisz – though they are both likable on screen. The film is engaging, still it never connects with much more than a curiosity. The emotions run, but not deep. And while some of the “off tripod” shots worked well, others are plainly annoying. Again, this is not my genre.

This film screened at Yelm Cinemas.