A movie review by: Lee Sonogan

(2015) 1h48min/ Mystery, thriller

The gift is a psychological thriller about a young married couple’s lives are changed when an acquaintance from the husband’s past brings mysterious gifts and a horrifying secret to light after more than 20 years. Three actors in this movie have also all starred in the 2011 movie Horrible Bosses together: Jason Bateman, Wendell Pierce and P.J. Byrne. This is the first theatrical release for distributor STX Entertainment

First feature film directed by Joel Edgerton. Joel Edgerton not only directed and starred in this movie, but he also produced it and wrote the script. As he wanted to focus on directing, Joel Edgerton filmed his own scenes as Gordo two weeks into shooting and completed them in seven days.

Overall, the elements in the story make you want to keep watching. Gordo, the acquaintance is a mystery as he does things randomly to the couple. Joel Edgerton plays his role very well, looking like a crazy Edward Norton. There is some good acting in the movie by the actor Jason Bateman and his fictional wife, which makes what the movie is. The first half is slow, but the next half picks up and ends with a twist that is a little predictable. Still, this movie was written and portrayed well. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller/thriller movie.

Obviously some formulas (or sayings) are familiar to some, but there is always some twist you can give them to make them feel a bit fresh. In this case add some really good actors into the mix and let them do their thing. Even if you kind of know where this is going (unless this is the first thriller of its kind you’re about to watch and/or haven’t seen the trailer yet), this can still be engaging, entertaining and keep you on the edge of your seat. – Kosmasp (IMDB – 7/10)

7/10