The Phenom

Major League Baseball rookie pitcher Hopper Gibson has talent. He also has an abusive ex-con father (Ethan Hawke) who thinks he should do whatever it takes to make sure that talent isn’t wasted. When Gibson’s father makes a sudden reappearance in his life, a case of performance-stunting anxiety sets in for the rising ace. Before long, a miserable record earns him a ticket back to the minors. Struggling with the knowledge that his father is both his most dangerous detractor and greatest motivator, Gibson turns to a sports psychologist (Paul Giamatti) for guidance, and a way back to the big leagues. A sharply incisive look at the psychological side of professional sports, boasting powerful performances from its lead actors, “The Phenom” engrossingly pivots not on an athlete’s battle with a rival team, but rather on a battle with his own mind. In Person: Director Noah Buschel.