The Gift

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Violence    Drug Use    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opend August 7, 2015

Runs 108 minutes

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) have just relocated to California from Chicago. They have moved into a lovely, spacious home and hope to move forward from some past disappointments. Jason begins his new job as Robyn gets them settled into their new home. One day, while they are out shopping, they run into an old acquaintance of Simon's, Gordon or "Gordo"(Joel Edgerton). Simon doesn't recognize him but gradually comes to remember that they were schoolmates. Gordo begins leaving them gifts and dropping by uninvited. Tension builds as it is clear that he is slightly unhinged. When a horrifying secret from Simon and Gordo's past is exposed, things are turned upside down and Robyn begins to wonder if she really knows Simon at all.

This is a pretty good thriller. There are a few scenes that definitely make you jump out of your chair. But, mostly it is just the overall feeling of dread or anticipation of what might happen that keeps you on edge. Is someone in the house? Where is the dog? (spoiler alert: the dog is fine) Why is Gordo so obsessed with them? And, there are a few unexpected plot twists that are surprising and don't send the story off the rails. Overall, a pretty good thriller. Jason Bateman is great in one of his few serious roles and Joel Edgerton plays nice until it is clear that maybe he isn't. They are both really good. Well worth your time. Go see it.

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