Film review: The Gift – actor-turned-director Joel Edgerton surprises with powerful psychological thriller
Edgerton's directorial debut is a polished package
The directorial debut from Australian actor Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Exodus: Gods and Kings) twists an awkward encounter with an old high-school acquaintance into a cracking psychological thriller that offers some genuine surprises.
Taking on the creepy role of socially awkward “Gordo the Weirdo” himself, while casting funny man Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Horrible Bosses) as the over-achieving former school bully, Egerton manages to sneak a few surprises into The Gift’s efficiently wrapped package.
Shortly after landing a top job in Los Angeles and moving into a lavish Hollywood Hills home, Simon (Bateman) has a chance run-in with a former classmate (Edgerton). When Gordo starts showing up at their house unannounced, Simon is wary, but his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) welcomes their new friend. Then Gordo starts crossing boundaries, both real and figurative, and digging up long-buried secrets.
