The gift that keeps on giving…
Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut stuck in my mind long past the closing credits – achieving what psychological horrors should do, but all too often fail.
The Gift focuses on Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), a couple who’ve just moved into their new luxurious Los Angeles home. Before long, Simon has a chance encounter with a former school ‘friend’ named Gordo (Joel Edgerton). Things soon turn strange as Gordo turns up at their home uninvited and continues to do so.
Simon does not like this at all. Whilst his wife is sympathetic towards their guest’s social awkwardness, he is not so patient. Perhaps because the two of them have a dark history – one that Simon fears is coming back to haunt him. When he asks Gordo to leave the couple alone, things turn sinister. This may sound like your routine home-invasion thriller, but it’s much more sophisticated than that.
The three lead roles shine throughout – giving convincing and often chilling performances. They all add something to the table but I would particularly like to focus on Edgerton, who impresses not just on screen, but behind it. He has written and directed a slick flick that is truly suspenseful. The thing that is unique about Edgerton’s script is the fact that he’ll leave you questioning morality and wonder who the real bad guy is in the movie. Not everything is as it seems.
I must warn you that The Gift is a slow-burner, getting under your skin gradually throughout the duration of the film. If you’re looking for frequent cheap thrills, this is not the horror for you.
Overshadowed by big summer blockbusters, The Gift won’t be on our screens for long. See it while you can.
See The Gift and much more at Showcase Cinema, Peterborough. Visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for the latest up-to-date show times. You can also join the chat on Twitter @showcasecinemas or on Facebook by searching for ‘Showcase Cinemas UK’.
Mikey Clarke
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Genre: Mystery & Suspense
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Jason Bateman & Rebecca Hall
Running Time: 1hr 48mins
Written/Directed by: Joel Edgerton
See if you liked: Cape Fear (1991) & What Lies Beneath
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