Review of The Gift (2015) by Thequietgamer — 15 Jun 2016

It takes a while to get going, but once it does it treats viewers to one of the most original drama-thrillers out there. One that will keep you guessing right up until the very end. Joel Edgerton takes the role of writer, director, producer, and even actor. He manages every twist and every emotion masterfully.

It's very much a cautionary tale. One that I can't really go in too much depth explaining as it would give away it's secrets. The mystery is a blast to try and unravel. It makes you a bit uneasy as you wonder just what is up with Bateman and Hall's odd new friend. Edgerton leaves little hints scattered throughout that you can pick up on if you're paying attention. Yet, even while a simple comment might leave you feeling like it revealed too much, Edgerton is smart enough to keep the real twists out of sight.

And what twists they are. "The Gift" turns into a gut punch of emotion before you know it. It will tug at your heartstrings and change your perspective of the whole film several times throughout. Tension is masterfully built and capitalized on in the story. It's a gripping tale. One that doesn't at first seem so in it's boring opening stretch.

After all this praise for the plot I've almost forgot to praise the actors. The film mostly revolves around Bateman, Hall, and Edgerton himself. There are other actors present in the role of side characters, and they are just as talented, but they are there to just give more life and realism to the situation. As far as our three mains go they are incredible. The standout being Bateman. His ability to bring moments of humor to the mix is not to be underappreciated. This is definitely a role out of his wheelhouse and yet he still nails it.

This is an all around excellent thriller. One that leaves you with things to ponder after the credits roll. It manages to be brutal without being excessive in things like gore, sex, or whatever "mature" content most movies are overindulging in to come off as "adult" nowadays. This is real maturity in filmmaking. It's also happens to be one of the best dramas and thrillers out there. Now enough of me talking about it. Just go watch it already!

8.