The Gift (2015) REVIEW

The Gift is a movie that may have missed a lot of people on it's release, however due to insistent word of mouth and it's Netflix release in the UK (not sure if the same for the US) it has surprised a lot of people. I have honestly recommended it to everyone I know!
The Gift revolves around businessman Simon (Jason Bateman) who has just moved back to LA into a plush glass walled house with his girlfriend Robyn (Rebecca Hall). One day at the store, they run into a man claiming to be Simon's old school friend - at first Simon is baffled, but as soon as he tells him his name - Gordon (Joel Edgerton) it all comes flooding back to him. Gordon is very friendly. Turning up at their new home, leaving them wine, inviting them for awkward dinners and lingering just that bit too long.... Simon explains to his girlfriend what they used to call him 'Gordo the Weirdo'. 

The couple just want a normal life, wish no hassle and to start trying for a child. But when events turn darker and suspicions raised high, Robyn begins to loose her grip, slipping back into her past ways and she soon questions what really happened in Simon and Gordo's school day past, but to what end?
The Gift is an excellent, unsettling and thought provoking thriller that will get under your skin and make you ponder for days to come. Lead actor Joel Edgerton directed, wrote and starred in this, and for a first outing it is beyond impressive! He orchestrates everything with a undeniable confidence and attention to detail. As for his acting, he is reserved and subtle as Gordo, creating a subtle state of unease. Seeing Bateman in a non comedic role is a delight, proving he does have the chops to be serious. Hall also does well also, not just being given a typical gender role, Robyn has integrity but also major flaws.
The whole film casts a shudder of unease in its audience, with each scene skilfully amping up the tension. And as for the final act - it was pretty jaw dropping, twisting in all the best ways. Just excellent stuff all round, and for a debut movie, Mr. Edgerton please keep this up! 9/10