I think I visibly jumped (and grabbed my movie companion) at least three times while watching The Gift, so I’m comfortable in saying that as a suspenseful movie, it did its job. And it entertained. For a couple of hours on a rainy Sunday summer afternoon, I immersed myself in the story of this midlife couple who moved to a new town and job only to encounter secrets from the past. And sometimes, that’s all I want from a movie.
Having seen the previews for The Gift countless times, I thought the premise of the big reveal would be something different entirely, so I appreciate that the film twisted in a unique direction. And I appreciate that the movie was able to build more suspense along the way, leaving enough story untold so as not to clog the plot but still sharing enough to inform the viewer of layers in this couple’s past—layers that were as fragile as they were strong, reminding me of a house of cards foundation analogy.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the film, though, was that big reveal. I’m sure I’ve not seen the topic covered in such a way. I wouldn’t say it’s refreshing, as the subject is not that at all, but it was good to see the topic addressed as the dark demon it is. This is the area of the movie worthy of more discussion and more depth. I won’t go deeper here, of course, as I never want to spoil that for others. But this alone–and the conversations that could grow from it–make the movie worth your time. Of course, it entertains too, so that’s just bonus. ; )
I’ve always been a Jason Bateman fan. He may not be the Oscar performer of some of his peers, but he’s consistent. And I totally bought him here. Joel Edgerton, though, who stars as the forgotten school chum from the past (and who also directed the film), delivers a solid performance. Even after letting the movie sit for a day or two in me, I’m still not sure his character’s motive, and I think that was the intent in the film. How nice when the viewer is left with options to interpret, rather than being hit upside the head with something predetermined.
(No, it’s not really quite four stars, but it’s certainly more than three. 😉 )