Review of The Gift (2015) by Richard V — 28 Dec 2015

The Gift is one of those films that sneaks into theaters and word-of-mouth is what keeps it around, like Edge of Tomorrow. Jason Bateman - who is more well-known for his comedy - is dark and fascinating, Rebecca Hall is excellent. But Joel Edgerton - who also wrote, directed, and produced the film as well - is a revelation as Gordo. He plays at times with uncomfortable innocence and other times with sinister intensity. But Edgerton shining as an actor is no surprise, look at Zero Dark Thirty or The Great Gatsby. It's how he handles dialogue, plot, and direction on his first try hat makes Edgerton someone Hollywood needs to keep an eye one.

While I do admit that the major twist of the film was actually something I guessed early on in the film, and there were a few moments that I'd take in a different direction, it doesn't take away from what is essentially a very simple truth that was also explored in Inception: That an idea can change everything. This is an exceptional psychological thriller handled so well.