The Gift (2015) - A Movie Review

Better be careful about the way you treat people in high school or you will regret it.

The Gift is a 2015 film about a young couple who moves into a brand new house, excited for their new life to start. However, when they cross paths with Gordo, an old high school friend of Simon, he won’t leave them alone. Leaving strange gifts for them, it’s only a matter of time before dark secrets are revealed.

The first time I watched The Gift I immediately went and locked the front door remembering that I hadn’t locked it prior to watching this on-edge film. The Gift is a well-written story. It provides an important message on how you should never treat anyone poorly in high school or that person will make you regret it.

Lately, I have been watching more movies with Jason Bateman. In The Gift, Bateman explores a whole different character then what he is used to playing. Simon is a crass person who likes to have his own way.

Believing that he can get away with being a bully, that comes back to haunt Simon in a heartbeat. In a mixture of turning audiences noses up at his despicable behavior, by the end of the movie he has gone through so much turmoil that you can’t help but feel sorry for him.

Rebecca Hall’s ferocity and determination was a trait that I admired in her portrayal of Robyn. Based on genius subtle story writing, Robyn struggled with addiction in the past. I like how she metamorphosed from a woman who is afraid to speak out against her domineering husband to someone who fights for herself. Hall’s expressions were strong to indicate how she really felt about her marriage.

Not only did Joel Edgerton act as the mysterious Gordo, but he also directed, wrote, and produced the movie! I am impressed with Edgerton’s work creating an on-edge stalker that even makes you feel uncomfortable. He connected to his character while making sure that audiences couldn’t.

Other film credits include Allison Tolman, Tim Griffin, Busy Phillips, Adam Lazarre-White, Beau Knapp, Wendell Pierce, Mirrah Foules, Nash Edgerton, and David Denman. The ensemble for The Gift is very important. Because Simon and Robyn’s relationship is the main focus, viewers are given an indication around their dynamic when around other people.

Location-wise, the house is stunning, but at the same time, thanks to horror movies, I would prefer not to live in a house with tons of glass windows surrounding me. Props to Edgerton for some well-timed jump scares that I did not see coming.

Overall, Joel Edgerton did a noteworthy job in his directorial debut of this stunning thriller. His camera work was one of the most notable components of his direction, creating important angles symbolizing foreshadows or an important reaction from characters.

The Gift is a complex story with a surprise hidden in each gift box. Thoroughly, the pacing was outstanding, succeeding in the see and don’t tell rule. It’s all about uncertainty. The pieces are right in front of you, but unfortunately, Simon refuses to put them together.

The horror is real. The plot surrounding a stalker may be a trigger for some viewers. My skin was crawling by the end of the movie. It’s one of those movies that makes you learn the hard way that the past can come back and haunt you.

The Gift is an on-edge thriller that has become one of my new favorite films. Honestly, it is a very underrated thriller. It’s not a film for all viewers because of the subject matter, but you have to experience Edgerton’s masterpiece.