A young couple's lives begin to unravel after an encounter with an old acquaintance who forces his way into their lives in the worst way.
HORROR
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The Gift (2015)Written and Directed by Joel Edgerton
Starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton, Allison Tolman, Tim Griffin, Adam Lazarre-White, P.J. Byrne |
The Gift is a brilliantly crafted thriller that defies all expectations and redefines what it means to be intrusive. Joel Edgerton's directorial debut is a definite hit and proves he is a true renaissance man, as his talent behind the camera equals his talent in front of it.
This film is, in a word, disturbing. It's all about secrets, and what happens when they come to light. Jason Bateman plays against type as selfish and manipulative husband Simon, who engages in a battle of wills with Joel Edgerton's psychotic Gordo, with Rebecca Hall's Robyn trapped in the middle. The three all provide great performances and help make this a horrifying gem that came out of nowhere. The best things the film has going for it are its uses of build-up and suspense. While there aren't any actual scares in the film, it's the circumstances and the unbelievable third act that make this a scary film. I enjoyed every minute of The Gift. I didn't think it would be great, but it surprised me. The themes that are toyed with in the film are dark and uncomfortable, as is Gordo's plan for revenge, but in the end it is hugely entertaining. I definitely recommend this one. |
The Gift is a brilliant directorial debut film from Joel Edgerton. He shows his talents behind the camera as he crafts a haunting thriller about childhood secrets coming to light and how the past doesn't always stay buried. Fronted by tremendous performances from its three leads, The Gift is truly one of the most pleasant surprises I've seen in a long time. After this film, I hope to see more like this from Joel Edgerton.
Jason Bateman plays against type as the character of Simon. He is controlling, manipulative, and a bit of a bully. Bateman really sinks his teeth into this character, perfectly creating a character that you really don't like form the very beginning. Rebecca Hall is fantastic as Simon's wife, Robyn. She really serves as the audience perspective of the movie, finding out about her husband's, and his old friend's, past as the movie progresses. While Bateman and Hall do great, most of the praise most go towards Joel Edgerton as Gordo. Edgerton pulls off a delicate combination of sympathetic and creepy with his character in a way most actors couldn't. Along with his great performance, he also shows amazing talent as a writer and director. Edgerton crafts a film that, while not downright scary, is still disturbing thanks to its effective use of suspense. Also helping is the film's incredible third act twist that will have you going over the entire series of events in your head long after the credits roll. Joel Egerton truly proved himself with The Gift. Proving he's a true talent both behind and in front of the camera, there are signs of a bright future for him. The Gift, for a directorial debut, is an exceptional film that gives us morally grey characters who's past quickly comes back to haunt them. Needless to say, you'll be going over your own past and anyone you may have wronged once this movie ends. |