The new movie The Gardener centers on Serge, a politician who discovers he and his family are targeted on a government hit list. Alongside his family and their enigmatic gardener Leo, Serge must devise a plan to survive relentless assassination attempts.
The film attempts to merge action with comedy—a natural transition for aging action stars seeking to lighten their roles—but ultimately falters. Jean-Claude Van Damme, known for his iconic action performances, shares the screen with Michaël Youn’s Serge, whose buffoonery dominates the film. Fans of Van Damme might find this blend frustrating, as the movie never fully commits to either genre.
Van Damme portrays Leo, the gardener with a mysterious past who becomes the protector in this tense story. While Van Damme’s action scenes demonstrate his enduring skill, the noticeable use of stunt doubles during high-impact sequences highlights the physical limitations of a 65-year-old action star. Despite this, his presence injects some vitality into the movie, especially when contrasted with Serge’s often grating antics.
One of the movie’s unexpected highlights is Matthias Quiviger as Esmerelda, whose manic energy and sharp wit bring a spark of unpredictability amid the otherwise one-dimensional henchmen. Technically, the film’s action choreography is commendable, with well-executed fight scenes amplified by immersive sound design. However, the overreliance on green screens and inconsistent visual effects detracts from the overall experience.
The movie struggles to find a consistent tone, wavering between farce and serious action without fully committing to either. The comedic elements never quite land, and the plot’s tired “forced to fight for survival” trope feels uninspired. As a result, viewers may be left wondering whether The Gardener is an action movie or a parody of one.
The Gardener hits theaters and VOD on June 6th, 2025.
