The Gift Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man reunites with high school bully, gets progressively weirder until everyone’s lives are ruined, possibly with a dash of baby daddy drama.

🍿 The Gift: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Chance Encounter

Simon and Robyn, a young married couple, relocate to Los Angeles for Simon’s new job. While furnishing their new home, they unexpectedly encounter Gordo, an old high school acquaintance of Simon’s. Gordo’s attempts to reconnect with Simon are initially awkward but seem harmless.

Unwanted Gifts and Growing Suspicion

Gordo begins showering Simon and Robyn with gifts and unannounced visits, making Simon increasingly uncomfortable. Robyn, however, sees a lonely and sensitive side to Gordo. As Gordo’s behavior becomes more intrusive, Simon’s dismissive attitude towards him grows, and he starts to actively avoid him.

The Past Unveiled

A series of unsettling events, including the disappearance of their dog, lead Simon to confront Gordo and demand that he stay away. Robyn, now suspicious, starts to question Simon about his past with Gordo. She discovers that Simon bullied Gordo relentlessly in high school, fabricating a damaging story that ruined Gordo’s reputation and family life.

Retribution

As Simon’s lies unravel, he secures a coveted promotion by sabotaging a colleague’s reputation. However, his actions lead to a chain of events that result in him losing his job. In a final act of revenge, Gordo sends Simon a mysterious gift, the contents of which throw Simon’s life into complete chaos and uncertainty. The final act leaves the audience wondering about the baby’s paternity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Simon (Jason Bateman): A successful and ambitious man whose past actions as a bully return to haunt him and his marriage.
• Robyn (Rebecca Hall): Simon’s wife who uncovers disturbing truths about her husband’s past and struggles with her own anxieties.
• Gordo (Joel Edgerton): A socially awkward man seeking revenge on Simon for past bullying, blurring the lines between victim and villain.
• Lucy (Allison Tolman): Simon and Robyn’s friendly neighbor.
• Kevin ‘KK’ Keelor (Tim Griffin): Simon’s colleague.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gordo: “See, you’re done with the past, but the past is not done with you.” – Gordo says this to Simon, hinting that the past will come back to haunt him.
• Gordo: “Good people deserve good things.” – Said to Robyn in the hospital, implying that she, unlike Simon, deserves happiness.
• Gordo: “Bygones be bygones.” – A cryptic message left in a letter, hinting at past issues between Gordo and Simon.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,787,265
• Worldwide Gross: $58,980,521

💥 The Gift Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘The Gift’ messed with my head! I went in expecting a typical stalker movie, but it was so much more. Jason Bateman’s serious role was amazing – I’m used to him being funny, but he really nailed the darkness. Rebecca Hall was fantastic too! I felt so much tension during the dinner party scene when Gordo seemed just a little TOO friendly. The ending? I’m still not sure what to think! This is one of those movies that sticks with you and makes you question everything. Definitely worth a watch if you like thrillers that make you think!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about revenge and consequences”
  • “Those who appreciate films with ambiguous endings”
  • “Those who enjoy Jason Bateman in serious roles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Implied sexual assault”
  • “Substance abuse”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Edgerton delivers a chilling directorial debut, expertly crafting suspense and blurring the lines between victim and villain. Bateman shines in a rare dramatic role, and Hall is compelling as the wife caught in the middle. A smart, unsettling thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A taut psychological thriller that skillfully explores the lasting impact of bullying. Edgerton’s nuanced performance as the unsettling Gordo is captivating, and the film’s ambiguous ending leaves a lingering sense of unease. A thought-provoking and suspenseful ride.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Though it occasionally treads familiar territory, ‘The Gift’ is a well-crafted thriller with strong performances all around. Edgerton’s direction is confident, and the film’s exploration of guilt, revenge, and the ambiguity of human nature is compelling.

Audience Reactions

Jason Bateman’s performance as Simon was surprisingly dark and captivating.: Viewers praised the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists.

The movie cleverly explores the long-term consequences of bullying.: Many appreciated the film’s examination of moral ambiguity and the blurring of lines between victim and perpetrator.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller that subverts expectations, with strong performances and a lingering sense of unease.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joel Edgerton not only starred in the film as Gordo but also wrote and directed it, making it his directorial debut.”
• “Edgerton filmed his own scenes as Gordo after two weeks of shooting in just seven days, to focus on directing the rest of the cast.”
• “The film explores themes of bullying and the impact of past actions on present lives, prompting viewers to reflect on their own behavior.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Gift?

The Gift is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Streaming subscriptions are not available as of this content update.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Gift, you might like these similar films:

• Cape Fear (1991): Features a similar theme of revenge and psychological torment by an individual from the past.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Explores the consequences of past actions and a dangerous obsession.
• Parasite (2019): Deals with themes of social class, deception, and the unsettling intrusion of outsiders into a seemingly perfect life, creating a similar sense of unease.
• Prisoners (2013): Is another example of a suspenseful mystery revolving around the past and family.

🛒 The Gift Related Products

• The Gift (Blu-ray): Own the suspenseful thriller on Blu-ray and experience the chilling atmosphere in high definition. Includes bonus content such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
• The Gift (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Listen to the eerie and atmospheric score that amplifies the film’s tension. Perfect for creating a suspenseful mood or reliving the movie’s most chilling moments.
• Funko Pop! Jason Bateman as Simon: Add this Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Jason Bateman as Simon in ‘The Gift’ to your collection. A unique and quirky representation of the complex character from the movie.
• The Gift Movie Poster: High-quality print of The Gift’s poster, perfect for any fan of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Gift features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “After” – performed by Erik Anderson and Davis Bain

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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