Discover The Gift A Gripping Psychological Thriller Available on Netflix

A compelling psychological thriller can captivate viewers with its gripping storyline, meticulous direction, and stellar performances, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The underrated 2015 film, The Gift, embodies this formula flawlessly. For those seeking a suspenseful movie for their weekend binge, this hidden gem on Netflix offers an excellent choice.

The Gift, starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton, revolves around a seemingly chance encounter that spirals into a series of unsettling events. Directed by Edgerton, the film’s intricate plot and impressive performances make it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

	The Gift
IMDB Rating	7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating	91%
Where to Watch/Buy	Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies
Director	Joel Edgerton
Producer	Jason Blum, Joel Edgerton, Rebecca Yeldham
Main Cast	Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton
Release Date	August 7, 2015
Genre	Thriller, Mystery
Runtime	108 minutes
Box Office	$59 million
Synopsis	A married couple’s life is turned upside down when an old acquaintance from the husband’s past brings mysterious gifts and a horrifying secret to light.

Suspense Wrapped in Unease

The Gift revolves around a married couple, Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), who cross paths with Simon’s old acquaintance, Gordo (Joel Edgerton). Simon doesn’t immediately recognize him, but a series of eerie gifts sent by Gordo unravels a disturbing secret. This chain of events forces Robyn to doubt everything she knows about her husband.

A Directorial Debut That Impresses

Beyond co-writing and starring in the film, The Gift also marks Joel Edgerton’s debut as a feature-length director. His foray into directing is superb and keeps audiences constantly guessing. Influences from Alfred Hitchcock and Cape Fear are evident throughout the film.

Success on a Modest Budget

Though not a massive blockbuster at its release, The Gift grossed $60 million worldwide on a budget of just $5 million. Critics acclaimed Edgerton’s direction and lauded the performances of the main cast, especially Jason Bateman for portraying a beguiling character who isn’t what he seems.

A Surprise Dramatic Turn from Bateman

While Jason Bateman has since solidified his dramatic prowess in the series Ozark, his role as Simon in The Gift, predating Ozark‘s 2017 release, revealed an unexpected depth in his acting capabilities. At the time, Bateman was primarily recognized for comedic roles in shows like Arrested Development.

The Talent of Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall‘s portrayal of Robyn adds significant gravitas to the film. As the character discovering devastating truths alongside the audience, Hall’s performance stands out. She brings complexity to Robyn, who navigates suspicions cast by Gordo—”This clichéd depiction of a woman would be offensive enough on its own, but The Gift isn’t finished giving.”

A Lasting Impact on Careers

After his success with The Gift, Joel Edgerton directed another well-received film, Boy Erased, emphasizing his skills behind the camera. The unique combination of his roles as an actor, writer, and director makes him an artist to watch closely.

Here’s a table of Joel Edgerton’s roles as a director, actor, and his notable performances.

The Gift, though slipping under the radar upon release, stands to gain a broader audience via streaming platforms like Netflix. With apt direction, compelling performances, and an unforgettable narrative, it’s well worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.