Watch Major Arcana

Major Arcana is a 2018 independent movie directed by Josh Melrod. Set in the beautiful yet rugged landscape of rural Vermont, the film explores themes of personal redemption and familial reconciliation through the story of Dink, a former drug addict and petty criminal who returns home to build a life for himself as a carpenter. Ujon Tokarski stars as Dink, a scruffy and hardened man who's just been released from prison after a ten-year-long stint. Homeless and lacking any clear direction in his life, Dink returns to his family's abandoned farm with the intention of fixing it up and starting a new life. But things don't go smoothly, as Dink has to deal with a resentful father (played by Stephen Plunkett) and a mother who's long since passed away, leaving behind a house filled with painful memories.

Dink's relationship with his father is at the center of the film's conflict. The two men barely speak, and when they do, it's usually to trade barbs and snide remarks. But despite their toxic relationship, Dink is determined to prove to his father that he's changed and that he's capable of doing something worthwhile with his life. He takes on the massive task of renovating the family home and barn, turning them into a functioning farm with the help of a local woman named Sam (Tara Summers).

Sam is a kind and empathetic woman who's willing to give Dink a chance, even though she knows about his troubled past. She's also dealing with her own struggles, including a rocky relationship with her mother (Lane Bradbury), who disapproves of Sam's plans to buy the farm from Dink's family. Sam and Dink form a tentative friendship that gradually turns into something more romantic, but their relationship is complicated by Dink's past and his father's disapproval.

One of the most striking aspects of Major Arcana is its portrayal of rural Vermont as both beautiful and harsh. The film's cinematography captures the stark beauty of the landscape, with its rolling hills and amber waves of grass, but it also highlights the physical and emotional toll that living in such a place can take on a person. Dink's hands are rough and calloused from years of hard manual labor, and his body bears the scars of his drug addiction. Sam, too, is struggling to make a life for herself in a place where opportunities are scarce and the winters are bitterly cold.

Throughout the film, Dink grapples with his inner demons, trying to make sense of the years he's lost to drugs and crime. Although he's mostly a man of few words, Tokarski delivers a powerful performance that conveys the pain and anguish of a man who's been through hell and back. He's a sympathetic character, despite his flaws and mistakes, and his journey of personal redemption is both moving and inspiring.

The film's supporting cast is also noteworthy, particularly Tara Summers as Sam. She brings warmth and humor to the role, and her chemistry with Tokarski is palpable. Lane Bradbury is a standout as Sam's mother, delivering a nuanced performance that adds depth to the film's themes of family and forgiveness.

Overall, Major Arcana is a captivating and affecting drama that explores the complexities of rural life and the struggles of a flawed but resilient protagonist. It's a film that deserves to be seen by a wider audience, particularly those who appreciate character-driven independent cinema.

Major Arcana is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.