The Gift (2015) || Slow-burn But Still Delivers

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this film. I honestly thought it’d be another psychological thriller with a predictable plot and a few jump scares. But by the time the credits rolled, I realized this film had delivered far more than I’d anticipated. Directed, written by, and starring Joel Edgerton, this film is a slow-burn thriller that dives deep into the themes of guilt, trauma and revenge, all while keeping you glued to your seat with its unsettling atmosphere and unexpected twists.

Synopsis (Spoilers)

The film follows Simon (Jason Bateman) and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall), a couple who move to California for a fresh start. Things seem to be going well until they run into Gordo (Joel Edgerton), an old high school acquaintance of Simon’s. Gordo is a bit awkward and overly eager to reconnect and soon he starts showing up at their house unannounced, leaving mysterious gifts and generally being a little too friendly.

While Robyn is initially sympathetic to Gordo’s gestures, Simon is uneasy about the situation. As the interactions become more uncomfortable, Simon decides to cut ties with Gordo. But that’s exactly when things start to spiral out of control. Secrets from Simon’s past emerge and it becomes clear that Gordo’s reappearance in their lives is far from being a mere coincidence. What starts as an awkward reunion turns into a disturbing game of psychological warfare, with Simon’s carefully constructed life unraveling in the most unexpected ways which I obviously didn't see coming.

My Review and Rating

The Gift thrives on its eerie tension. It’s not a film that relies on loud jump scares or dramatic action sequences to keep you engaged. Instead, it builds an atmosphere of quiet dread, where every glance, every pause and every seemingly innocent interaction feels like it’s loaded with hidden meaning. I give it to Joel Edgerton who does a fantastic job creating this slow, simmering suspense and as both the director and the actor playing Gordo, he makes sure the audience is never quite sure what’s coming next.

What I loved most about the film is how it flips the script on the typical thriller narrative. At first, I thought Gordo was the obvious “villain”; the creepy, socially awkward guy who seems to be stalking the couple. But as the story progressed, it became clear that Simon wasn’t as innocent as he seemed.

The film plays with your sympathies, making you question who the real antagonist is. By the end, the lines between victim and villain blur completely, leaving you with a chilling sense of moral ambiguity.

Jason Bateman, who I've known for his comedic roles, really impressed me with his performance here. He plays Simon with just the right mix of charm and arrogance and as his dark past is revealed, his character’s moral downfall is both gripping and believable. Rebecca Hall’s portrayal of Robyn is equally strong. She’s vulnerable, but not weak, and her growing unease throughout the film feels palpable.

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show in my honest opinion, Gordo. He doesn’t have a lot of dialogue but his presence is so unsettling that every scene with him made my skin crawl. It's the first time I'm coming across his film but the way he conveys menace in this one, through subtle body language and quiet stares is a testament that he's good at what he does. Gordo is a character who’s been wronged, but rather than going for the obvious revenge, he chooses a path that’s much more psychological and far more disturbing.

If I have to point out a flaw, it’s the pacing. It is a slow burn and while that kinda works to build tension, there are moments when it drags a little too much. Some scenes feel like they’re stretching the suspense too thin, and I found myself getting a bit restless at certain points. But honestly, this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things. Once the twists start coming, you’ll be too engrossed to care about the slow bits.

Also, without giving too much away, I couldn’t help but feel that the ending, while shocking, leaves you with a bit of a moral dilemma. It’s one of those conclusions where you’re not sure if you’re satisfied or deeply disturbed. But then again, maybe that’s the whole point. The film challenges you to think about the consequences of past actions and whether or not anyone ever truly escapes their past.

I figured this film was Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut. It is impressive, showing his ability to build tension and deliver gut-punching twists. The performances are top-notch and the story keeps you guessing until the very last frame. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous threats don’t come from the outside. They come from the skeletons hiding in our closets.

Rating: 4/5