Review of The Gift (2015) by Yorkman — 08 Mar 2016

Simon and Robyn Callum (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) relocate to L.A. from Chicago, after Robyn's miscarriage sent her into a state of depression, in an attempt to make a fresh start.

Whilst out buying some bits and pieces for their new house Simon is approached by Gordon 'Gordo' Moseley, an old high school acquaintance and although he's reluctant Simon (at the urging of Robyn) agrees to have him over for a meal.

After no invite is forthcoming, Gordo just turns up unannounced whilst Simon is at work, bringing with him a gift of a bottle of wine.

After having a meal together, Gordo leaves another gift (some fish, and fish food) along with a letter thanking them for their kindness and that he'd enjoy having them come over........

Eventually though, despite Gordo's sincere acts of friendship, Simon convinces Robyn they should cut all ties, citing his 'weirdness' (Simon suggests that Gordo's nickname at high school was 'weirdo') and Simon makes his point whilst visiting Gordo's large house, but before he's had a chance to let Gordo make the meal. Gordo, having left the house for a few minutes to receive a call, isn't happy about it.

Simon assures Robyn that Gordo has taken the hint.

What follows is a psychological thriller as Gordo tries to get revenge on Simon for acts of the past, especially after his genuine want to be a friend was rebuffed.

The Gift is a well shot and well acted film, but it has some very distinct problems.

Chief amongst these is a massive lack of plot. The film runs almost 110 minutes, and pads this out with far too many pointless scenes that neither offer insight into the characters, nor move the story along.

It's a shame, because the premise of the film is very good, it's just that there isn't enough narrative to justify the run-time.

What this means is that the first two acts drag on, and on, and on.... Whilst the third act, which explains Gordo's motives, and exposes Simon's 'character', as well as the de rigeur 'twist' ending.... Is seemingly over far too quickly.

The other big problem is a side-effect of this. In that a lot of what happens is undeniably predictable. I have a personal hatred of any film where the story is explained through the use of 'secret' audio or video recordings....

It's such a cheap way for the director to create tension, by referencing back to events earlier in the film but with a different perspective. And, in this case, very obvious they were too!

Overall, this film was disappointing. With so many reviews claiming it to be a masterpiece by debut director Joel Edgerton (who also stars as Gordo) it had high expectations from me, and perhaps that's a reason I can only offer a 6/10 score.