Horror and psychological thriller films often adhere to a familiar formula, relying on predictable suspense. However, Joel Edgerton distinguishes himself with ‘The Gift’, a refreshingly unsettling chiller that's definitely worth watching with anticipation. The film shines in its ambitious moments, particularly when the twists and turns contribute to the creepy atmosphere of the ending. It’s easy to assume ‘The Gift’ could have been just another standard psychological thriller promoting typical problems. Nevertheless, the presence of Edgerton, along with Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall as a Chicagoan couple relocating to Los Angeles, elevates the film into a stalker story with intelligence and personality. Simon (Bateman) is returning to his hometown in California due to a promotion within his computer security firm. Simon and Robyn (Hall), the ambitious couple, settle into their modern home with large windows. While shopping for furniture, they encounter Gordon (Edgerton). Gordon claims to be an old high school classmate, which surprises Simon, who doesn't immediately recall him. The interaction is awkward, but Simon politely acknowledges Gordon. Accepting Gordon’s phone number, however, opens a troubling situation. Soon, the couple finds themselves dealing with Gordon’s frequent and intrusive visits to their home. He also gives them various gifts, seemingly oblivious to the fact that his appearances are unwelcome and bothersome. His persistence is especially concerning because he seems to capture Robyn's attention while Simon is at work. The tension for Simon and Robyn builds beyond the unsettling interruptions from Gordon. They face pressure to start a family and Simon is competing with a colleague for advancement at his job. Consequently, Gordon’s unusual gift-giving and frequent visits only add to the stress of maintaining their marriage. ‘The Gift’ could have easily followed a predictable path, portraying Gordon as a villain acting without reason. Edgerton, as director, writer, and actor, earns recognition for subverting expectations and revealing the complex motivations behind this unsettling character. Is Gordon justified in his actions against Simon? Is Simon as innocent as he appears? What is the history between Gordon and Simon from their school days? Can Robyn understand the puzzling situation involving the two men on diverging paths toward destruction? Revealing some of the shocking plot points would be a disservice, as the film carefully engineers its twists to maintain suspense. The overall message conveyed underscores Edgerton’s inventive and insightful thriller. It serves as a caution: mistreating or dismissing someone from your past can have consequences when fortunes change unexpectedly. Or, simply put, karma can be relentless. The Gift (2015) STX Entertainment 1 hr. 48 mins. Starring: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton, Allison Tolman, Busy Phillipps, Beau Knapp, Wendell Pierce and David Denman Directed and Written by: Joel Edgerton MPAA Rating: R Genre: Psychological Thriller/Suspense and Drama Critic’s Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars)

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