Saturday, August 22, 2015

Review of THE GIFT: Bringing Back Bygones

August 21, 2015




Simon Callen and his wife Robyn have just moved to Los Angeles from Chicago. While in the mall shopping for home supplies, Simon runs into an old classmate from high school, Gordon "Gordo" Moseley. Seemingly overeager to be friends, Gordo begins sending them little gifts and visiting at odd times during the day. Even if Robyn tries to be understanding, Simon gets very uncomfortable with the situation and confronts Gordo about his behavior.

Rebecca Hall has that unconventional beauty whom I first noticed as Vicky in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008). She would also make a mark in the gritty film "The Town" (2010) and was arguably the best part of the unfortunate film "Transcendence" (2014). Again, she makes the most of her role here as Robyn, a wife caught between a bitter contest of wills between two men. She is a flawed character, but she has a decisive will of her own. Ms. Hall possesses a smart no-nonsense aura about her which makes her ideal for these strong women characters.

We know Jason Bateman more as a comedian, with his roles on TV and recent films like "Horrible Bosses" (2011). This sense of goodwill he has as an engaging actor makes him an ideal casting choice for a role like Simon in a film like this.   His double-edged performance works to create more confusion among the audience while they are watching, adding further thrill and suspense as the film went along.

Joel Edgerton is an Australian actor whose excellence in acting I first noted in the boxing film "Warrior" (2011). For his latest film "The Gift", Edgerton not only acts in a lead role, he is also the writer and, for the first time in a feature film, director. As an actor, Edgerton imbues his character Gordo with subtle yet very effective tension. His mere presence on the screen as the sadsack loser will give goosebumps.  As writer and director, Edgerton effectively tells his story of interpersonal terror, with moments which can unnerve even the most steadfast. This for sure is an auspicious feature film directorial debut for Edgerton.

The film makes use of situations familiar to many people to create a nightmare which may actually happen in real life, adding to the feeling of dread we feel as audiences. Haven't we all experienced that feeling of awkwardness around old acquaintances who become intrusively nosy or overly familiar? Don't we all have those unpleasant childhood memories we would rather bury into our subconscious? Even though the events in "The Gift" may be a bit extreme to be entirely realistic, its twisted tale will involve you and creep you out. 7/10.


19 comments:

  1. The poster and the title isn't so interesting to me, but you got my attention on Jason Bateman.

    Horrible bosses are horrible, honestly. I watched the first one but I couldn't get myself to finish it and I sure didn't waste time on trying the second one. Anyway, he has more movies I like but I wonder why he's not being given the break he deserves. I thought he was charming in The Switch and Hancock even though those movies failed to rate.

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  2. Because it's coming from the makers of Insidious, then this film must be a hair-raiser. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of movies of this kind so I'll pass for now.

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  3. I really want to see this! I love jJason Bateman! I loved him in Hancock.

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  4. I think the new film is a must for all, especially since its a product from a renown filmmaker

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  5. The Gift seems like a disturbing film that possibly give me nightmares for days. It's a good thing to renew friendships but not to the point of trying to force it the relationship in any way. Scary.

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  6. You got me curious and terrified at the same time. This movie is very interesting.

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  7. The title is so catchy, that let readers and projected viewers wonder what's store in this film. Joel Edgerton is one man full of talent. Lead role, writer and director, Wow!

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  8. Intriguing, no spoilers there. I'm not much a horror-suspense flick person, but I would like to see the conflicts in the movie.

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  9. The poster is not that catchy for me but your review made me interested. I checked the trailer a while ago and it's pretty suspense! Where did you get to watch this movie? I'm trying to find its screening but can't a schedule.

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  10. This seems like a real mystery with some horror touch specially the poster words not all gifts are welcomed "

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  11. It looks really creepy. Sometimes, some people's unfounded generosity can mean inner motives and these keeps you guessing on that motive.

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  12. I actually didn't catch what the story is... it sounds a bit odd and suspicious. But I will trust what you say and maybe catch it online!

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  13. Saw this on a movie poster at the mall and got really interested. However, it has been a long time since I last watched a creepy movie and I think I don't have the guts to see this at the movie house. I guess, I'll just watch its trailer then buy a ticket for Pixels instead. hahaha

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  14. This looks so scary and creepy! I would totally love to watch this with friends! Haha :D

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  15. Okay.. horror movie is never a choice of mine. Thanks for the review.

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  16. Insidious was a great movie so I just know that this is going to be epic too. I can simply imagine someone leaning on the guy from behind on the poster.

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  17. I had a few bad childhood memories too, I try to put it behind and moved on but sometimes when I think of it makes me angry. This looks like a good movie but I don't thinking its going to screen in my country. I will try serach and to download it.

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  18. Hmm.. i think this is gonna be an awesome movie ! it seems ominous though, not really a fan of such movies

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  19. Oh wow now this seems interesting! I don't do scary films but I do like Jason Bateman!

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