The Gift (2015)

The Gift is a 2015 American psychological thriller film written, co-produced, and directed by Joel Edgerton in his directorial debut. The film stars Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Edgerton, and Allison Tolman. The plot follows a young couple whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious former friend.

The Gift received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Edgerton’s direction, the performances of the cast, and the film’s atmosphere and suspense. It grossed over $59 million worldwide against a production budget of $5 million.

The film begins with Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) moving into their new home in the Los Angeles suburbs. They are expecting their first child and are excited to start a new chapter in their lives. However, their happiness is short-lived when they receive a mysterious gift from Gordon (Joel Edgerton), an old friend from Simon’s past.

The Gift (2015)

Here are 10 important points about the film “The Gift” (2015):

Psychological thriller
Directed by Joel Edgerton
Stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall
Couple’s life disrupted by mysterious gift
Former friend with dark secrets
Critics praised direction and performances
Grossed over $59 million worldwide
Suspenseful and atmospheric
Unsettling and thought-provoking
Themes of guilt, revenge, and redemption

The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Psychological thriller

A psychological thriller is a genre of film that focuses on the psychological state of its characters, often exploring themes of fear, anxiety, and paranoia. The Gift is a classic example of a psychological thriller, as it delves into the minds of its characters and explores the dark secrets that they are hiding.

Unreliable narrator

One of the key elements of a psychological thriller is the unreliable narrator. In The Gift, the audience is initially led to believe that Simon and Robyn are a happy couple, but as the film progresses, we begin to see cracks in their relationship. Simon becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious of Gordon, and Robyn starts to question her own sanity.
Twists and turns

Psychological thrillers often rely on twists and turns to keep the audience guessing. The Gift is no exception, and it features several unexpected plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Suspenseful atmosphere

A good psychological thriller will create a suspenseful and atmospheric environment. The Gift does this through the use of dark lighting, eerie music, and unsettling sound effects.
Thought-provoking themes

Psychological thrillers often explore thought-provoking themes. The Gift explores themes of guilt, revenge, and redemption. It asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life?

The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Directed by Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton is an Australian actor, screenwriter, and director. He is best known for his roles in films such as Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby, and Loving. The Gift is Edgerton’s directorial debut, and it showcases his talent as a filmmaker.

Strong performances

Edgerton elicits strong performances from his cast. Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall are both excellent in the lead roles, and Joel Edgerton himself gives a chilling performance as Gordon. The supporting cast, including Allison Tolman and David Denman, is also excellent.
Stylish direction

Edgerton’s direction is stylish and assured. He creates a suspenseful and atmospheric environment, and he uses camerawork and editing to great effect. The film is visually stunning, and it is clear that Edgerton has a keen eye for detail.
Thought-provoking script

Edgerton also wrote the screenplay for The Gift, and it is a well-crafted and thought-provoking piece of work. The film explores complex themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption, and it asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life?
Directorial debut

The Gift is an impressive directorial debut for Joel Edgerton. He demonstrates a strong command of the filmmaking process, and he creates a film that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking.

The Gift is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers. It is a well-crafted film with strong performances, stylish direction, and a thought-provoking script.

Stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall

Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall star as Simon and Robyn, a young couple whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious former friend. Bateman and Hall give excellent performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.

Bateman is known for his comedic roles in films such as Horrible Bosses and Arrested Development. However, in The Gift, he shows his range by playing a complex and flawed character. Simon is a successful businessman, but he is also struggling with guilt over a past mistake. Bateman captures Simon’s inner turmoil perfectly, and he makes the character both sympathetic and relatable.

Hall is also excellent as Robyn. She is a strong and independent woman, but she is also vulnerable and insecure. Hall portrays Robyn’s inner conflict with great sensitivity, and she makes the character both believable and heartbreaking.

The chemistry between Bateman and Hall is undeniable. They play off each other perfectly, and they create a believable and sympathetic couple. Their performances are one of the main reasons why The Gift is such a successful film.

The Gift is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers. It is a well-crafted film with strong performances, stylish direction, and a thought-provoking script.

Couple’s life disrupted by mysterious gift

Simon and Robyn are a young couple who are expecting their first child. They are excited to start a new chapter in their lives, but their happiness is short-lived when they receive a mysterious gift from Gordon, an old friend from Simon’s past.

The gift is a wooden box with a keyhole. Simon and Robyn are curious about what is inside, but they are also hesitant to open it. They know that Gordon is a strange and unpredictable man, and they are afraid of what he might have put inside the box.

Eventually, Simon’s curiosity gets the better of him and he opens the box. Inside, he finds a severed foot. Simon is horrified, and he calls the police. The police investigate, but they are unable to find any evidence linking Gordon to the foot.

Simon and Robyn are terrified. They don’t know who sent the foot, or why. They start to suspect that Gordon is stalking them, and they are afraid for their safety.

The Gift is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a film about the dark secrets that people can hide, and the devastating consequences that can occur when those secrets are revealed.

Former friend with dark secrets

Gordon is a former friend of Simon’s from high school. He is a strange and unpredictable man, and Simon has always been wary of him. When Gordon shows up at Simon and Robyn’s house with a mysterious gift, Simon is immediately suspicious.

Simon’s suspicions are confirmed when he opens the gift and finds a severed foot inside. He calls the police, but they are unable to find any evidence linking Gordon to the foot. Simon and Robyn are terrified, and they start to suspect that Gordon is stalking them.

As the film progresses, it is revealed that Gordon has a dark past. He was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a young girl. Gordon was never charged with a crime, but he has always felt guilty about what happened.

Gordon’s guilt has manifested itself in a dangerous obsession with Simon. He believes that Simon is responsible for the girl’s death, and he is determined to make him pay.

Critics praised direction and performances

Critics praised Joel Edgerton’s direction and the performances of the cast. Edgerton’s direction is stylish and assured, and he creates a suspenseful and atmospheric environment. The cast is excellent, with Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton all giving strong performances.

Bateman is particularly good as Simon. He brings depth and nuance to the character, and he makes Simon both sympathetic and relatable. Hall is also excellent as Robyn. She portrays Robyn’s inner conflict with great sensitivity, and she makes the character both believable and heartbreaking.

Edgerton himself gives a chilling performance as Gordon. He creates a character who is both menacing and pathetic, and he makes the audience feel both scared and sorry for him.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Allison Tolman gives a standout performance as Detective Walsh, and David Denman is also good as Robyn’s brother. The entire cast works together to create a believable and immersive world.

The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Grossed over $59 million worldwide

The Gift was a commercial success, grossing over $59 million worldwide against a production budget of $5 million. This makes it one of the most profitable films of 2015.

Strong word-of-mouth

The Gift received strong word-of-mouth from critics and audiences alike. This helped to generate interest in the film and led to its commercial success.
Limited competition

The Gift was released in August 2015, a time when there was relatively little competition at the box office. This helped the film to attract a wider audience.
Low production budget

The Gift was made on a very low budget of $5 million. This meant that the film only needed to gross a modest amount of money in order to be profitable.
International success

The Gift was a success both domestically and internationally. It grossed over $35 million in the United States and Canada, and over $24 million in other territories.

The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that has something to offer everyone. It is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Suspenseful and atmospheric

The Gift is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Director Joel Edgerton creates a palpable sense of tension and dread, and he uses camerawork, editing, and sound design to great effect.

The film’s opening scene is a perfect example of Edgerton’s skill at creating suspense. The scene is set in a dark and empty parking lot. Simon and Robyn are walking to their car when they are suddenly attacked by a masked figure. The scene is shot in real time, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats as they wait to see what will happen next.

The rest of the film is equally suspenseful. Edgerton keeps the audience guessing about what Gordon’s motives are, and he uses a series of twists and turns to keep the plot moving. The film’s atmosphere is also very effective. The use of dark lighting and eerie sound effects creates a sense of unease and paranoia.

The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The Gift is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers. It is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Unsettling and thought-provoking

The Gift is an unsettling and thought-provoking thriller that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. The film explores dark themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption, and it asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life?

Moral ambiguity

One of the things that makes The Gift so unsettling is its moral ambiguity. The characters are not clearly good or evil, and the audience is left to decide for themselves who to root for. This makes the film more challenging and thought-provoking.
Unreliable narrator

The film’s narrator is unreliable, which adds to the unsettling atmosphere. The audience is never sure if they can trust what they are being told, and this makes them question everything that happens.
Twists and turns

The Gift is full of twists and turns, which keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film’s unpredictable nature makes it even more unsettling and thought-provoking.
Themes of guilt and revenge

The Gift explores dark themes such as guilt and revenge. The film asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life? This makes the film more thought-provoking and challenging.

The Gift is a well-crafted and thought-provoking thriller that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It is a film that will make you think about the dark side of human nature, and it will challenge your own moral compass.

Themes of guilt, revenge, and redemption

The Gift explores dark themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption. The film asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life?

Guilt

Guilt is a major theme in The Gift. Simon is haunted by the guilt of what he did to Gordon in the past, and this guilt drives him to make a series of bad decisions. Robyn is also consumed by guilt, as she feels responsible for what happened to Gordon’s sister.
Revenge

Revenge is another major theme in The Gift. Gordon is determined to get revenge on Simon for what he did, and he will stop at nothing to make him pay. Simon’s desire for revenge also leads him down a dark path.
Redemption

Redemption is a possible theme in The Gift. By the end of the film, Simon has learned from his mistakes and he is trying to make things right. However, it is unclear whether or not he will be able to redeem himself.

The Gift is a well-crafted and thought-provoking thriller that explores dark themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption. The film asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life? This makes the film more challenging and thought-provoking.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the film The Gift (2015):

Question 1: What is The Gift about?
The Gift is a psychological thriller about a couple whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious gift from a former friend.

Question 2: Who directed The Gift?
The Gift was directed by Joel Edgerton.

Question 3: Who stars in The Gift?
The Gift stars Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton.

Question 4: What is the critical reception of The Gift?
The Gift received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Edgerton’s direction, the performances of the cast, and the film’s atmosphere and suspense.

Question 5: How much money did The Gift gross?
The Gift grossed over $59 million worldwide against a production budget of $5 million.

Question 6: What are the themes of The Gift?
The Gift explores dark themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption.

Question 7: Is The Gift worth watching?
Yes, The Gift is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that is sure to keep you guessing until the very end.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about The Gift (2015). If you have any other questions, please feel free to search online or ask a question in the comments section below.

In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for getting the most out of The Gift:

Tips

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of The Gift (2015):

Tip 1: Pay attention to the details. The Gift is a film that is full of subtle clues and foreshadowing. Pay close attention to the details, as they will help you to piece together the puzzle.

Tip 2: Don’t trust anyone. The characters in The Gift are not who they seem to be. Don’t trust anyone, and be prepared for anything.

Tip 3: Watch the film twice. The Gift is a film that is even better the second time around. Once you know the ending, you can go back and see all of the clues that you missed the first time.

Tip 4: Discuss the film with others. The Gift is a film that is sure to spark discussion. After you watch the film, talk to your friends and family about what you thought of it. You may be surprised by what others have to say.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

These are just a few tips for getting the most out of The Gift (2015). By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a truly enjoyable and suspenseful experience.

Now that you have read the tips, you are ready to watch The Gift (2015). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the film!

Conclusion

The Gift (2015) is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Director Joel Edgerton creates a palpable sense of tension and dread, and he uses camerawork, editing, and sound design to great effect. The cast is excellent, with Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton all giving strong performances.

The film explores dark themes such as guilt, revenge, and redemption, and it asks the question: what would you do if someone you had wronged came back into your life? The Gift is a challenging and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Closing Message

If you are looking for a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller, then The Gift (2015) is definitely worth watching. It is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.