The Gift

Joel Edgerton tries his hand at directing for the first time in psychological thriller The Gift (2015). Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall star as Simon and Robyn, a prosperous, childless couple who have recently relocated to LA. There is obvious pre-existing tension on the couple’s relationship and they have clearly experienced some distress. While settling into the neighbourhood, Simon runs into his old high school associate, Gordo (Edgerton), although it is evident that the Simon’s memory is very vague. 

Soon, Gordo starts making unannounced visits to the couple’s home, often with gifts in tow. Simon becomes uncomfortable with these visits, accusing Gordo of being uncanny and strange. Robyn, however, thinks the visits are harmless and defends Gordo from Simon’s harsh words. Edgerton develops this theme for some time, leaving the audience to determine whether Gordo is just a well intended, socially awkward, friend or if he is in fact a dangerous outcast.

While Robyn too tries to determine the state and intentions of Gordo, tension begins to grow between her and Simon. Between the pressures of work, trying to start a family and considering Gordo’s visits, the couple’s relationship becomes strained.  This leads Robyn into investigating her partners past, and Edgerton invites the audience to analyse the main characters’ motivations and enigmas.

While The Gift isn’t as obviously suspenseful and jolty as some films in the genre, it creates a much more subdued and implied sense of uncertainty and mystery. Edgerton develops all three main characters very well and this, combined with great casting, allows the audience’s sympathy to bounce between them. The Gifts’ success does not lie in its ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, but in its complex characters and dark themes investigating the human condition.