THE GIFT is a dramatic thriller written and directed by Joel Edgerton, starring Edgerton, Jason Bateman, and Rebecca Hall. It centers on married couple Simon and Robyn who unexpectedly run into someone from Simon's past. After a troubling series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts, a horrifying secret emerges; one that will cause Robyn to question how well she actually knows her husband.
Edgerton is able to brilliantly build suspense with the passing of each scene. The way this film is shot and put together will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of its runtime; just as the characters became paranoid you become paranoid. And just when you think you know where the film is going BOOM, it goes the complete opposite direction.
As incredible of a job he did directing and penning the script, Edgerton delivered on the performance side of things as well. With a character such as his, it's really easy to come off as over-the-top. But, thankfully, he didn't fall into that trap. In fact, he went above and beyond of what was expected; perfectly depicting a creepy, yet subdued guy who keeps you guessing the whole time. Honestly, it's all in his eyes; you see him as this intrusive and invading character, however you can also sense a whole world of pain just by watching his eyes. He keeps you fully engaged, but if that was, somehow, not enough you have Jason Bateman.
Bateman has always been an actor who's never fully disappeared into a role. When I see him in a movie, I see Jason Bateman; I don't see the character. That couldn't be further from the truth here; I saw a side of him I've never seen before. Rebecca Hall was great as well; she served as the keyhole through which we saw the film. In terms of not knowing the history between Edgerton and Bateman's characters, the audience and her were on the same page.
Is Edgerton on the same path of a guy like actor-turned-director Ben Affleck? It's too soon to know for sure, all I know is THE GIFT is a great start.
Edgerton is able to brilliantly build suspense with the passing of each scene. The way this film is shot and put together will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of its runtime; just as the characters became paranoid you become paranoid. And just when you think you know where the film is going BOOM, it goes the complete opposite direction.
As incredible of a job he did directing and penning the script, Edgerton delivered on the performance side of things as well. With a character such as his, it's really easy to come off as over-the-top. But, thankfully, he didn't fall into that trap. In fact, he went above and beyond of what was expected; perfectly depicting a creepy, yet subdued guy who keeps you guessing the whole time. Honestly, it's all in his eyes; you see him as this intrusive and invading character, however you can also sense a whole world of pain just by watching his eyes. He keeps you fully engaged, but if that was, somehow, not enough you have Jason Bateman.
Bateman has always been an actor who's never fully disappeared into a role. When I see him in a movie, I see Jason Bateman; I don't see the character. That couldn't be further from the truth here; I saw a side of him I've never seen before. Rebecca Hall was great as well; she served as the keyhole through which we saw the film. In terms of not knowing the history between Edgerton and Bateman's characters, the audience and her were on the same page.
Is Edgerton on the same path of a guy like actor-turned-director Ben Affleck? It's too soon to know for sure, all I know is THE GIFT is a great start.