The Gift

Billed as a mystery and a thriller, Joel Edgerton's The Gift is indeed both of those and more. The sub genre might be "home invasion" of a figurative and a real kind, reminiscent of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Equally so it's a home horror film, for some of the traditional tropes of that genre are in place (e.g., missing dog, running faucet) waiting around the corner of any room so to speak.

Super security salesman Simon (Jason Bateman) is happily married to interior designer Robyn (Rebecca Hall). Their new LA home is wall to wall windows, all the better for bad forces to look in and to ironically comment on the lack of transparency inside the home as well as a security expert's vulnerability. Then Simon's old high school friend, weirdo Gordo (Joel Edgerton), visits with gifts and memories of a troubled past.

Their home is indeed invaded, not just by nerdy, strange Gordo, who has a bad habit of showing up at odd times and gaining access at even odder ones, but by the past, which is creeping up on the couple despite Simon's will to leave it all behind and Gordo's to "let bygones be bygones." The film bears its tensions well, distributing its exposition of the past in the present slowly.

The Gift doesn't just give the present a chance to come to terms with the past; it also comments on privacy, security, and bullying while serving up a fine stew of ironies and suspense. As for bullying, not the first time in a thriller, it plays out from high school days to adult days in a surprisingly subtle way, forcing us over the long haul of the film's 108 minutes to see it lurking like a clichéd ghost or murderer.

Marriage is also a subject in this taut film, namely how much do we really know about our partners or anyone close to us? This film could make anyone a skeptic about the goodness of your fellow travelers. Speaking of which, Gordo is the outsider, whom writer Flannery O'Connor liked to write about because "he changes things." Gordo is an agent of change, an avenging angel of the past and a messenger for the future.

Smart thriller for late summer.

The gift isn't much of a gift at all. The gift to me was when I discovered Joel Edgerton is not only Gordo, the creepy stalker in the film, but also the writer/director of the piece. Wow! He certainly does a great job. Most directors might gravitate toward a role in their film that is endearing to the audience, Gordo couldn't be any further from that sort of character. Things that go bump in the night can usually be explained away. If you were in Simon and Robyn's case, you might find out your explanations are incorrect months or years later. So what were those creepy bumps for Simon and Robyn? Edgerton's script shows they are part of a larger, much darker, horrific beyond an R rated gift. You'll be surprised at the twist.

Robyn and Simon have just moved in to a posh 60's retro home and are settling in as a married couple. They receive numerous visits from Gordo who says he knew Simon in High School. We get the feeling their relationship was more ominous in nature than it appears to Robyn, who Gordo starts to form a platonic relationship with. Through a course of events, the film becomes a typical stalker thriller but eventually sets itself apart as a very clever, well written, and telling "human nature" account of who everybody "really" is (not just Gordo).

I really liked "The Gift" because I enjoy psychology. As the tale unravels we actually see perspectives we aren't meant to see. The obvious hero is far from it and the villain, while never a hero, becomes someone we can empathize with, though never fully. I thought the cast was amazing and the story really stays with you because of their performances. Jason Bateman does a great job in this thriller whereas he usually plays comedy parts. He can do a variety of roles. It's a perfect thriller but I thought it did take too long developing the story. I think it's over 2/3 of the way through before the typical stalker thriller stuff ends and you get into the genius of the film. For that reason it lost a star with me. Watch this creepy fun movie, I recommend it.

Australian actor Joel Edgerton wrote, produced and directed this drama with thriller elements,. Rebecca Hall and Jason Bateman star as a married couple newly moved to Los Angeles. They run into a old high school classmate of Bateman's (Edgerton) who seems desperate to restart a friendship that Bateman can't remember them having. Hall begins to suspect that something isn't right with Edgerton and that her husband isn't telling the whole truth about their past.

This has all of the trappings of one of those late-80's "yuppie nightmare" thrillers that glutted the market for about eight years, with the upscale settings and work environments of the characters getting upset by a malignant outside force, a situation that draws the worst out of the victims. Bateman is clever casting, as he's one of the best actors in his age range at portraying borderline nice-at-heart-or-really-a-jerk characters, which here keeps the audience guessing. Edgerton is normally a very physical actor, but here he's reserved and quiet. Hall is very good as the woman at the center of this odd dynamic, and she has her own past issues to deal with. I think audiences going into this expecting a rollercoaster-ride thriller will be disappointed, and while I don't want to spoil where things go, I think it's advisable to let viewers know that this is more of a moralistic drama than a jump-scare chiller.

It's good to see Jason Bateman not be the perfect gentleman in a film for once

The Gift is an exceptional psychological thriller that takes viewers on a gripping and unpredictable journey from start to finish. Released in 2015, this movie is a testament to the sheer brilliance of writer-director Joel Edgerton, who not only helmed the project but also delivered a standout performance in the lead role.

One of the most commendable aspects of The Gift is its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the entire runtime. From the opening scene, the movie establishes an eerie atmosphere, immediately captivating viewers and piquing their curiosity. Suspense and tension build gradually, leaving you guessing and second-guessing the characters' motives and intentions.

The narrative thrives on its intricate and multi-layered storytelling, which delves into themes of past secrets, revenge, and the consequences of our actions. The screenplay is meticulously crafted, offering a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the lasting effects of past decisions. It cleverly blurs the lines between victim and villain, making it a compelling and morally complex tale.

The performances in The Gift are nothing short of phenomenal. Joel Edgerton delivers an astonishing portrayal of Gordo, a socially awkward and enigmatic character who becomes the catalyst for a series of unsettling events. Edgerton's nuanced performance is both haunting and sympathetic, leaving you torn between empathy and suspicion.

Jason Bateman showcases his versatility as the charismatic Simon, effortlessly transitioning from a seemingly affable husband to a morally ambiguous figure. His subtle yet commanding presence adds depth to the movie, creating a captivating dynamic between the characters.

Rebecca Hall delivers a stunning performance as Robyn, Simon's wife, bringing vulnerability and authenticity to her role. Her portrayal strikes a perfect balance between strength and fragility, making her character relatable and engaging.

Visually, The Gift is a masterclass in atmospheric moviemaking. The cinematography captures the eerie ambiance of the story, utilizing dim lighting and expertly framed shots to heighten the tension. The movie's soundtrack complements the visuals flawlessly, accentuating the suspenseful moments and enhancing the overall sense of unease.

The Gift is a triumph in the thriller genre, proving that a well-executed psychological drama can leave a lasting impact. It offers a satisfyingly unpredictable plot, outstanding performances, and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. This cinematic gem stands the test of time, and its ability to keep you guessing until the very end is a testament to its brilliance. If you're a fan of intelligent and gripping thrillers, The Gift is a must-watch that will leave you breathless.