​FILMS

the gift

2015 review number 128:

The Gift: (Drama/Thriller): 79 out of 100: If a solid, tense drama with elements of suspense is what you are after, then you can't go wrong with this highly impressive Hollywood directorial debut by Aussie Joel Edgerton who wears four hats in this production - director, writer, co-producer and co-star. If the trailers have misled you into thinking that this is a horror film, you will be sorely mistaken as it's more of a psychological character analysis which explores how your past can catch up with you after many years.

 

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a married couple who have moved in to a new home. Whilst out shopping they come across Gordo (Joel Edgerton), a high school classmate whom Simon has not seen since his school days. Gordo wishes to develop a friendship with them, however Simon wants nothing to do with him as he tells his wife that he is still weird as he was in high school. Gordo cannot see the signs and still delivers gifts to them to acknowledge the new friends he has made. Simon's personality and past come to light when Gordo is seemingly out of their lives.

 

Thankfully the few jump scares included are used to great effect. You won't get the abundance of jump scares which reduced a movie like Poltergeist to a non-event in terms of the scare factor. Edgerton proves that you don't need CGI and numerous jump scares to generate tension.

 

Bateman has been seen recently in comedies and proves here that he is adept at acting in dramas. He is convincing in expressing how he feels when his world comes crashing down. Hall is an underated actress who impresses as the wife who is determined to voice her opinions. Edgerton is suitably creepy yet likeable as the misunderstood 'villain'. They are so efficient in their roles that unfortunately the other characters pale in comparison and are merely of decorative value.

 

Behind the scenes, Edgerton has fashioned an intense script which showcases the characterisations. He has also directed with aplomb in using his cameras to explore the settings and allowing the actors to do their thing. He is especially superb in filming the interiors of the house to provide some suspense; you just never know where Gordo is lurking.

 

The fantastic thing about this film is that it is unpredictable. It's not the conventional thriller where you can easily guess the ending. There are enough logical twists and turns to keep the audience interested.

 

Edgerton is another one of those Aussies who has made Hollywood sit up and take notice. That was achieved through his acting prowess. Again he shines in the acting department in this movie, but this time it's his efforts behind the camera which should ensure a long and healthy career in Hollywood, whether it be through acting, writing or directing.

 

Starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall and Joel Edgerton

(108 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, violence and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IiZU9JBuE (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Friday 28th August, 2015)

 

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