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The Phantom of the Open (2022) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Phantom of the Open (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 106 min · English
Echo score 73
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Directed by
Craig Roberts
Starring
Rhys Ifans, Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Barry Aird, Mark Lewis Jones, Johann Myers

This is the inspiring true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness who shocks the world by qualifying for the 1976 British Open Golf Championship. With no prior experience, he takes on the sport's elite, becoming an unlikely folk hero and demonstrating remarkable determination. His unexpected appearance and subsequent antics captivate the nation and ultimately inspire his family to pursue their own aspirations.

Drama Sport Comedy Cast, crew & box office
On this page (10)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 The book behind the movie
  8. 8 Movie threads
  9. 9 Movies like The Phantom of the Open
  10. 10 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

The Phantom of the Open Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Phantom of the Open (2022), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance)

    Maurice is a determined and optimistic individual who defies the norms of the golfing world. His belief in his and his family's potential drives him to enter the British Open despite lacking the requisite skills, showing both his naivety and tenacity.

    • 🕴️ Dreamer
    • ⛳ Underdog

  • Jean Flitcroft (Sally Hawkins)

    Jean is Maurice's supportive wife who remains optimistic and encourages his pursuits. Her unwavering loyalty serves as the emotional backbone for the family, as she balances her husband’s dreams with their modest lifestyle.

    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 👩‍👧‍👦 Nurturing

  • Michael Flitcroft (Jake Davies)

    Michael is Maurice's step-son who feels embarrassed by his father's unconventional approach to golf. His character illustrates the tension between familial loyalty and the societal pressures of success, as he struggles with his identity in light of his step-father's fame.

    • 😔 Conflict
    • 📈 Ambitious

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 16:29

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5 characters · 8 connections · contains spoilers

The Phantom of the Open Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in The Phantom of the Open: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
MFMauriceFlitcroftMark RylanceJFJean FlitcroftSally HawkinsMFMichaelFlitcroftJake DaviesGGeneJJames

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 16:29

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Setting

Where and When Does The Phantom of the Open Take Place?

The setting of The Phantom of the Open (2022): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1970s

The 1970s in Britain were marked by economic changes, including the nationalisation of industries and shifts in cultural practices. This era saw the rise of various leisure activities, including sports, amidst a backdrop of social and economic challenges.

Location

Barrow-in-Furness, British Open

Barrow-in-Furness is a coastal town in northwest England known for its shipbuilding history and as the workplace of Maurice Flitcroft. The British Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments and is known for its prestigious history, drawing competitors from around the world.

  • 🏴‍☠️ Britain
  • ⛳ Golf

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 16:29

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3 major themes

The Phantom of the Open Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Phantom of the Open (2022) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Aspiration

    The theme of aspiration is central to the film, as Maurice Flitcroft embodies the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of societal expectations. His determination to participate in the British Open despite his lack of experience illustrates the pursuit of personal goals against all odds.

  • Family

    Family dynamics play a crucial role in the story, showcasing the support and challenges that arise within familial relationships. Maurice's unwavering encouragement towards his children's dreams contrasts with the pressure they face, particularly from Michael, who feels embarrassed by his step-father's antics.

  • Identity

    Maurice's journey involves the exploration of identity, as he navigates society's perception of a 'professional' golfer. His use of disguises and fake names highlights themes of self-perception and the lengths one will go to define oneself in a competitive world.

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 16:29

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Character & theme questions

The Phantom of the Open Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Phantom of the Open (2022): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is The Phantom of the Open set?

The movie is set primarily in Barrow-in-Furness, a coastal town in northwest England known for its shipbuilding history. Key scenes also take place at the British Open golf championship venues, which travel to different prestigious golf courses in the UK.

  • barrow-in-furness
  • british open
  • golf
  • setting
  • england
Q2

What is the British Open in golf?

The British Open (officially The Open Championship) is one of golf's oldest and most prestigious major tournaments, first held in 1860. It attracts top golfers from around the world and is known for its challenging courses and rich tradition in the sport.

  • british open
  • golf
  • tournament
  • major
  • championship
Q3

Is The Phantom of the Open based on a true story?

Yes, The Phantom of the Open is based on the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness who famously qualified for the 1976 British Open despite having no professional golf experience, becoming an unlikely folk hero.

  • true story
  • maurice flitcroft
  • real life
  • based on
Q4

When does The Phantom of the Open take place?

The movie takes place primarily in the 1970s, specifically around 1976 when Maurice Flitcroft qualified for the British Open, with the story spanning much of that decade.

  • 1970s
  • 1976
  • time period
  • decade
  • britain
Q5

Who is Maurice Flitcroft?

Maurice Flitcroft was a former gasfitter and crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness, England, who became known as the 'Phantom of the Open' after mysteriously qualifying for the 1976 British Open golf championship despite having no competitive golf experience.

  • maurice flitcroft
  • phantom
  • cran operator
  • golfer
Q6

What are the main themes of The Phantom of the Open?

The film explores three core themes: aspiration, which focuses on pursuing dreams against all odds; family, highlighting the support and tensions within familial relationships; and identity, as Maurice navigates society's perception while defining himself through his unconventional pursuits.

  • themes
  • aspiration
  • family
  • identity
  • dreams
  • message
Q7

Where is Barrow-in-Furness located?

Barrow-in-Furness is a coastal town in Cumbria, northwest England, situated on the Furness Peninsula. The town is historically known for its shipbuilding industry and is where Maurice Flitcroft worked as a crane operator.

  • barrow-in-furness
  • cumbria
  • northwest england
  • location
Q8

Who are the main characters in The Phantom of the Open?

The main characters include Maurice Flitcroft (played by Mark Rylance), the determined crane operator who enters the British Open; his wife Jean (Sally Hawkins), who remains supportive throughout his journey; and his step-son Michael (Jake Davies), who struggles with embarrassment about his father's unconventional pursuits.

  • maurice
  • jean
  • michael
  • characters
  • cast
  • mark rylance
Q9

What kind of movie is The Phantom of the Open?

The Phantom of the Open is a drama with comedic elements that tells an inspiring true story. It blends humor with heartfelt moments about perseverance and family, creating a whimsical yet emotionally resonant tone centered on Maurice's unshakeable optimism.

  • genre
  • drama
  • comedy
  • sport
  • tone
  • feel
Q10

What was happening in Britain during the 1970s?

The 1970s in Britain were marked by significant economic changes, including industrial nationalisation and social challenges. It was a period of cultural shifts and rising interest in leisure activities, including sports, against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

  • 1970s
  • britain
  • history
  • era
  • context
  • economy

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Phantom of the Open, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Phantom of the Open tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Charming underdog stories like The Phantom of the Open

The charming true stories of ordinary people achieving the extraordinary. If you enjoyed the true-life charm of The Phantom of the Open, you'll love these movies about quirky individuals chasing impossible dreams. Discover similar uplifting comedies and inspiring dramas where ordinary people achieve extraordinary things against the odds.

  • uplifting
  • quirky
  • charming
  • heartwarming
  • inspiring
  • optimistic
  • Tone: hopeful, whimsical
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives follow a simple, character-centric arc: an unlikely hero, often based on a true story, decides to pursue a goal far outside their expertise or social standing. They face institutional ridicule and personal setbacks, but their unshakeable optimism and quirky methods turn them into an unexpected folk hero, culminating in a triumphant validation of their spirit.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared tone of hopeful whimsy, a light emotional weight that avoids heavy drama, and a central theme of celebrating individuality and resilience. The pacing is steady, focusing on character growth over complex plotting, and the overall experience is consistently uplifting and heartwarming.

The Phantom of the Open movie poster

The Phantom of the Open

2022
Necessary Roughness movie poster

Necessary Roughness

1991
Cool Runnings movie poster

Cool Runnings

1993
Fired Up! movie poster

Fired Up!

2017
Rally Road Racers movie poster

Rally Road Racers

2023
The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss movie poster

The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss

1936
Ready to Run movie poster

Ready to Run

2000
Little Giants movie poster

Little Giants

1994

Gentle, heartwarming comedies like The Phantom of the Open

Stories where humor meets heart in a celebration of the human spirit. Looking for more movies with the gentle, uplifting comedy of The Phantom of the Open? This collection features similar stories where humor is blended with heart, focusing on resilience, family, and optimistic characters in straightforward, charming narratives.

  • heartwarming
  • charming
  • uplifting
  • optimistic
  • quirky
  • bittersweet
  • Tone: hopeful, light
  • Pacing: steady, comfortable
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a central, good-natured character navigating a series of mild, often bureaucratic or social, conflicts. The stakes are personal rather than life-threatening, and the story unfolds at a comfortable pace. Comedy stems from the protagonist's unique perspective and steadfast positivity, while dramatic moments serve to highlight themes of family support and personal growth, leading to a satisfying, happy conclusion.

Why they belong together: They share a specific mix of a high humor score with a light emotional weight and a hopeful tone. The pacing is consistently steady, avoiding frantic energy, and the complexity is straightforward, making them easy and comforting watches. The dominant mood is a blend of uplifting, charming, and heartwarming feelings.

Belles on Their Toes movie poster

Belles on Their Toes

1952
Necessary Roughness movie poster

Necessary Roughness

1991
16-love movie poster

16-love

2012
Come to the Stable movie poster

Come to the Stable

1949
Home Again movie poster

Home Again

2017
Finding You movie poster

Finding You

2021
Bigger Than the Sky movie poster

Bigger Than the Sky

2005
Home Delivery movie poster

Home Delivery

2024

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Every angle

The Phantom of the Open (2022) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Phantom of the Open in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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