Gift, The (10/27/2015)

Rated R for language.

Starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall and Joel Edgerton

Directed by Joel Edgerton

I thought this was going to be a horror/thriller, but The Gift turned out to be an intense drama with a strong message about bullying.

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo (Joel Edgerton) at first, but after a seemingly coincidental series of encounters proves troubling, a horrifying secret from their past is uncovered after nearly 20 years. As Robyn learns the unsettling truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo, she starts to question: how well do we really know the people closest to us, and are past bygones ever really bygones?

Actor turned writer-director Joel Edgerton does an amazing job creating a very creepy film. The Gift will have you on pins and needles from beginning to end. Edgerton takes three characters and develops them so perfectly that the audience is completely committed to see how their story will end. He also delivers an incredible performance as one of the creepiest characters I’ve seen in a while.

Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall are also both very strong as the couple whose lives are turned completely upside-down. Now it’s not a secret that I have had a man-crush on Jason Bateman for a long time, but I’m telling you, he can act. He is so believable in this role it is scary. I don’t believe he has ever quite gone this dark before, but watching him peel away the snarky outer layers to reveal something else entirely was a work of art.

Although there are a few scenes that drag a little, the pace is intentionally slow to keep the audience on edge.

The Gift is very intense with a very strong anti-bullying message. And although the unsettling themes freaked me out, I’m still saying it is “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are 22 uses of the F-word, 14 uses of the S-word and other profanities.

There are a few scenes of violence (like fist fights, etc.). There are also mature themes of bullying, rape and other disturbing content.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What did Simon call Gordo?


2. How else did he “pick on” him in high school?


3. How do you respond when you see someone being picked on?

Read Luke 6:31

Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.


4. How do you want to be treated?


5. What are some practical ways you can treat others the way you want to be treated?