FilmSnobReviews

Title: The Gift
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Joel Edgerton
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins

What It Is: Simon (Bateman) and Robyn (Hall) have just moved into a great new home in Los Angeles from Chicago. When out and about getting items for their new home they run into Gordo (Edgerton) a former high school mate of Simons. When they arrive home there is a package waiting for them, a gift, from Gordo. Now he is showing up at their home whenever, leaving various gifts, and genuinely creeping out Simon. No one is sure of his intention, but sure enough we’ll find out.

What We Think: This movie is incredible. Actor Joel Edgerton somehow crafts a thriller on par with the classics of Fatal Attraction or The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. The tension just builds and builds until it wants to explode. Where Edgerton’s direction is amazing is that he does not blow that load early. All of the exposition and tension get seeped out beautifully. All of that is encapsulated with unbelievable performances. Hall, Bateman, and especially Edgerton play this whole thing great. Man, this was a solid flick and the type I’d like to see more of.

Our Grade: A-, Obviously I’m going to recommend this to literally everyone, and there’s no excuse for not seeing this as it is currently on DVD and Blu-Ray. Why can’t all actor directed films be this good? I’m looking at you Captain America hopefully that trend can continue with the upcoming Angelina Jolie projects, especially given how poorly directed her last film was. I really think Jason Bateman showed he can pull off drama, and Rebecca Hall continues to impress, but this time it’s in a good movie (finally). See this it is worth your time.