Joel Edgertonis an actor of immense talent who, over the years, has worked with some of the most celebrated directors in the industry, such asGeorge Lucas,Ridley Scott,Kathryn Bigelow,Baz Luhrmann,andJeff Nichols. Edgerton has often been described as a “character actor” due tohis talent for playing quirky, idiosyncratic roles, although he also works behind the scenes too, co-writing and producing films such asThe King,The Rover,andJane Got a Gun. Edgerton’s years of experience certainly prepared him to take his talent to the next level, as he directed an impressive first feature with the underrated 2015 thrillerThe Gift. Finding a balance between psychological drama and intense mystery,The Giftis an unusual revenge thriller that features one of the most stunning third acts in recent memory.
The Giftis plausible in a way that few thrillers are, as Edgerton creates a scenario that feels entirely realistic. Although the film has some loaded commentary about childhood trauma and communication within relationships, there’s no point at which it feels as if Edgerton is berating the audience with his perspective; in fact,there’s a surprising humanity to every characterin the film. Although Edgerton would prove his talent as a filmmaker once more when he helmed the powerful biopicBoy Erased, The Giftis a chilling, unforgettable thriller that deserves to be remembered as a modern classic.
What Is ‘The Gift’ About?
The Giftis centered on a wealthy couple who move away from their home in Chicago to a brand-new house in Los Angeles,where they plan to start a family.Simon Callem (Jason Bateman) is enthusiastic about returning to his hometown, even if his wife, Robyn (Rebecca Hall), has some concerns about what their long-term future will look like. Edgerton plays an enigmatic man named “Gordo,” who introduces himself as an old classmate of Simon’s. Although Robyn is initially charmed by Gordo’s frequent compliments, Simon grows increasingly uneasy when his former classmate begins to insert himself into their lives. Robyn begins to learn more about both Gordo and her husband’s past, realizing that Simon may have been a childhood bully who is still wrecked by guilt. Although Gordo presents himself as a kindly individual who adorns them with presents, his more malicious behavior begins to become more prominent.
The Giftisa masterwork in minimalism, as Edgerton allows the tension to simmer by showing how each minor interaction points to a dark secret about the characters. The initial journey to Los Angeles speaks volumes about Simon’s character, as he is more comfortable beginning a family in a place that he has already lived, and seemingly “conquered.” Despite Simon’s arrogance, the appearance of Gordo slowly hints that he has created an endearing persona for himself that he has almost come to believe. Although Gordo is a threat to Simon’s narcissism, he also forces Robyn to reconsider the man she has married. Even though the viewer has come to distrust Simon, it’s hard not to at least sympathize with how uncomfortable the situation becomes. While at first Gordo’s gifts are pleasant, his obsession with appeasing both Robyn and Simon suggests that he is taunting them to draw the line.
Edgerton gets incredible performances from his cast, with Bateman in particular showing that he can play darker characters. SinceThe Giftdebuted a few years before Bateman began starring in the Emmy Award-winning Netflix seriesOzark, it was one of those rare times when audiences got the chance to see him in a non-comedic setting. Hall is also remarkable, as she calls attention to the unfair plight that Robyn is in; the fact that Robyn has sympathy for both men is both her most endearing quality and her greatest weakness, as she is caught between two manipulative characters who want to use her.
30 Years Ago, Johnny Depp and Jim Jarmusch Turned the Western Into a Black-and-White Fever Dream in This Underrated Classic
This 1995 movie also included Crispin Glover, Lance Henricksen, and Robert Mitchum.
‘The Gift’ Is an Incredible Directorial Debut for Joel Edgerton
The Giftis directed with patience and restraint in a manner that is rare for a directorial debut, as Edgerton never feels the impulse to overstate characters' motivations or reveal the subtext at inopportune moments. Although much of the tension in the story is derived from secrets regarding Simon and Gordos’ past together, the film does not ever offer an objective understanding of what exactly happened; both Simon and Gordo present their sides of the story, leaving the audience to empathize with Robyn, who must determine which of the half-truths she should believe. Given that the film mostly consists of dialogue scenes andinstances of physical acting, it is very impressive that Edgerton was able to maintain the level of intensity for the entire running time.
The Giftends with a shocking momentthat would typically “make or break” a film that was heading towards a climactic finale. Although some may be disturbed by just how dark Edgerton was willing to go, the ending reveals a truth about the characters that the audience may have struggled to reckon with: both Simon and Gordo are narcissistic, manipulative men, and their past trauma does not give them an excuse totake out their rage on other people.Although such a cruel twist could have been used purely to shock the audience, Edgerton justified the extremity ofThe Giftby crafting a nuanced, powerful character study.
