Joel Edgerton writes, directs, produces, and costars in this psychological thriller about a couple, Simon and Robyn (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) living a perfect life in suburban Los Angeles, who run into Gordo (Edgerton), an old high school acquaintance of Simon’s. While Gordo’s attempt to establish a friendship is innocent enough to begin with, it quickly devolves into a series of uninvited encounters from Gordo.
The familiar plot is given a fresh life by Edgerton’s solid screenplay and the great performances of the three principle actors. Edgerton underplays Gordo, providing a very nuanced, yet disturbing performance. Bateman, who’s resume consists primary of comedic performances, shows off his dramatic chops as a man who’s personality proves to be something of a facade, and it’s interesting to see that facade peel away. Batemen is no stranger to drama, mind you. He had a very nice turn in Juno in a very uncomfortable but believable role of an unhappily married man who is not capable of making the correct choices in his life (Batemen also popped up in the 1987 made for TV horror movie Bates Motel when he was riding high from his TV show Hogan Family).
The film could have easily succumbed to a cliched, paint by numbers thriller, but instead it exams personal responsibility,and explores the repercussions of bullying. That’s not to say that The Gift it’s not with out the tropes you’ve come to expect to find in a thriller such as this. But Edgeton manages to steer just clear enough of them to make us aware that we’re being treated to a unique take on the genre.
The film is well constructed and unnerving, and really show cases not only Edgerton’s ability as a filmmaker, but also Bateman’s ability to stretch beyond the comedy straight man we’ve become accustomed to.
Extras- There is little in way of extras here. There are a few deleted scenes of little note, and an alternative ending, both with Edgerton’s commentary. There are also two short vignettes, Karma for Bullies, and The Darker Side of Jason Bateman. Both are only a couple of minutes long, and the short running time both both are missed opportunities to really delve into either subject matter.
Over all, The Gift is a solid thriller that injects new life into the genre. The Blu-Ray/DVD is well worth a watch, but a few other extras would have made it a better purchase.
