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The Gift (2015)

2015 • 1h 48m • Drama, Thriller • R
On September 24, 2026
#1892▲ 3725
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All reviews

Reno on The Gift

7/10 · Dec 14, 2015

The idea of using GIFs as tools for retribution is certainly something that comes into play here. Initially, Joel Edgerton’s writing was strong, and this also marked his directorial debut, which stands out favorably when put up against other overblown mystery-thrillers that didn't live up to the hype. To be honest, I found it a pretty good movie that I enjoyed watching. It had its problems—plot holes, inconsistencies, or whatever you want to call them—because key events from earlier on weren’t explained clearly. As I attempted to identify and question these issues, I also came up with some possible explanations for them. So in one sense it seemed clever, but ultimately it didn't really hold up under scrutiny. It functions as a revenge story, though I won’t say much more about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away. It centers on a young married couple who return to their hometown after suffering the loss of their baby. They run into an old high school acquaintance at the mall and one person becomes intensely invested in the relationship while the other party is essentially shut out. The film explores what happens when men find themselves in this kind of situation, which forms the core of the narrative. As expected, Rebecca Hall was attractive, Jason Bateman gave a believable performance, and Joel Edgerton, who had an important role, played his part well. It’s also a fitting title for the movie. At first it seemed straightforward, but as the story progressed, the underlying meaning became increasingly clear. The narration was quite effective because it prevented me from taking sides when conflicts arose; you couldn't easily anticipate what would happen next. This mystery-thriller felt overly dramatic and unfolded at a deliberate pace. It largely avoids graphic violence, though there are a few scenes that were necessary to shape the story. As I mentioned, it wasn’t an exceptional film, but it was worth watching, and some viewers might consider it fantastic. 6½/10

Source on TMDB