The Gift
Simon and Robyn (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall), a young-ish couple who’ve just moved back to California for work and a fresh start find their lives plunged into a twisting and unnerving spiral with the appearance of an old High School acquaintance, Gordo (Joel Edgerton). Showered with strange gifts from Gordo the couple’s stability is chiseled away revealing a horrifying black past.
Written, Directed, and Acted by Joel Edgerton, this simple and elegant film is a fantastic example of classic psychological suspense thrillers brought into the 21st century. Thoughtful character development and plausible circumstances make for an even more delicious and nauseating turning; coupled with on point acting from the ensemble this brief 108 minute dark ride releases its stranglehold just before the effects of hypoxia set in. Get ready to hold your breath, in a good way, The Gift is rated R.