The Gift

A well-constructed story that relies on the fact that it's never really clear who the asshole is and who isn't. That is also true for the ending. Good progression that doesn't go to extremes, but primarily a well-executed psychological game that shows Edgerton's talent in multiple ways. Just looking at him will give you chills. And surprisingly, also Bateman. (11/09/2015)

Well written, even better directed. Edgerton not only handles the psychology to a tee, but also delivers an interestingly conceived and compact story, with effective emotional atmosphere and content structure, with the dirt from the past being revealed bit by bit and the relationship between the central trio of characters growing in intensity until the impressive depressing finale. Overall, we have no one to root for and the ending doesn't knock us back in our seats as much as probably intended, but these are only minor flaws in the beauty of this refreshingly cinematic debut... 80% (11/18/2015)

Joel Edgerton has made a smarter film than could have been expected. Great psychology and plasticity of characters, excellent situational scenes and fantastic actors without exception. Pity about the literal twist, which is impressive but still too explicit. Had it been more open and just hinted at, it could have been one of the highlights of the year, as the subliminally unsettling tension of something evil and unspoken is felt even through the screen. (12/12/2015)

What the advertising sold as a run-of-the-mill stalker thriller it’s actually an ambitious and smart psychological drama with only hints of the genre elements of thriller and horror (the film probably has the ugliest jump scare of the year). Even after the end, the film is a fable with lots of empty spaces that could be easily filled with fairly different versions of the events, which makes for post-viewing debates. Certainly, a surprise from first-time director Joel Egerton, I hope he’ll get back behind the cameras soon. (09/06/2015)

The Gift is a solidly developed psychological drama that is, however, dragged down to the level of a forgettable genre movie by its wannabe shocking delivery of the final point. The clever work with the characters’ psychology would have made the film stronger and more unique if it were more subtle (i.e. if it didn’t underestimate the viewers and shock them with a mere disturbing suggestion). (09/22/2015)