The Gift: Captures the spirit of the psychological thriller genre

The Gift is a masterfully subtle suspense with elegant, well polished writing and superb acting.

Almost purely psychological

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In his first feature film as a director, Joel Edgerton shows he really knows what the psychological thriller genre is all about. The mood of the film is set early on, and is sustained until the very end. The movie is slow paced, but don't let that fool you, it will keep you on edge at all times. [...]

The concept of the film is well thought out, having Gordo stalking Simon and Robyn, a couple recently moved into town, after casually running into them. While being exceedingly kind and helpful, with all the gifts and drop by's, Gordo is at the same time inconvenient and creepy. Leaving an uneasy feeling about the character, which is skillfully portrayed by Edgerton himself.

The beauty of The Gift is in it's almost purely psychological form, as you watch the entire movie expecting something gruesome to happen, only to find that it never actually does. Where it deviates from most movies of the genre, is that even in its unsettling end, nothing really happens. I don't mean to say that what Gordo might have done is of no significance, but it is never clear what actually happened, keeping with the non physicality that marks this film. And even if what he lets Simon dwelling on really happened, will it really make a difference in Robyn's life? (Provided Simon doesn't tell her, which he probably won't, in an effort to protect his dignity)

There are a few events occurring along the film, though none actually cause anything other than psychological damage to the leading couple (especially Robyn). For instance, the dog goes missing, but later returns unharmed. The fish initially given by Gordo, appear dead, but neither Simon nor Robyn were attached to them, so that ends up having no significance either. No harm falls upon them, other than the increasing fear and unsettling sensation, living in their home.

The moment there is some physical disturbance, when a rock is thrown through the window, it is actually caused by Danny, a guy having an anger burst after losing his job and suspecting that was of Simon's doing. That is the point at which Simon's life starts falling apart, the recent events lead to him losing his job and later Robyn leaving him. While in the end having to live with the uncertainty of his paternity.

The other aspect of The Gift is not knowing who "the bad guy" really is throughout the movie, and actually still not really knowing after the movie ended. Simon is revealed to have been a bully in school, and have seriously impacted Gordo's life in doing so. Though the stress inflicted by Gordo on Robyn, prevents his actions from being judged as being purely "getting back" at Simon.and its unsettling end, keeping with the non physicality that marks this film.

This great script is turned into a beautifully crafted movie, when it is joined with the great acting and exquisite directing. Rebecca Hall beautifully embodies Robyn displaying all the subtlety of her emotions throughout the events of the movie. Joel Edgerton as previously said, perfectly represents the guy that throughout the movie, we are not sure is creepy or just trying desperately to reconnect with someone from the past. While Jason Bateman's Simon, seems like an ordinary guy, at the same time as giving us an uneasy feeling about him.

As soon as you watch The Gift, share your thoughts about this great film in the comments bellow! What did you think of The Gift? Do you think Gordo was bluffing? Share your thoughts in the comments bellow!