The Gift
Huayi Brothers Media | Release Date: August 7, 2015
8.3
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 565 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
489
Mixed:
59
Negative:
17
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
4
hotfromcauldronAug 8, 2015
I was hoping it was an early xmas with the rave reviews for the gift.
And for the first thirty minutes expectations are high with the possibilities of a creepy intruder thriller like fatal attraction or the hand that rocks the cradle. Not aI was hoping it was an early xmas with the rave reviews for the gift.
And for the first thirty minutes expectations are high with the possibilities of a creepy intruder thriller like fatal attraction or the hand that rocks the cradle. Not a bad debut for writer, director and actor joel edgerton. But then the score pounds, the characters preach, the action comes to a screeching halt, time passes and all the fun and tension is drained. And after we are clobbered with the “message” we get to the what’s in box number three moment. But by then who cares!… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
All this user's reviews
4
marco34laAug 8, 2015
I went to see The Gift based upon the critic score and some of the reviewers here (see thegodfatherson), however I'm convinced that some of the user reviews like the aforementioned are most likely put out by the studios who created the film.I went to see The Gift based upon the critic score and some of the reviewers here (see thegodfatherson), however I'm convinced that some of the user reviews like the aforementioned are most likely put out by the studios who created the film. I was very underwhelmed when I saw it, as were most of the people I went with. It wasn't bad -- the acting was good, the story was plausible -- but it lacked tension and suspense. It's a drama/suspense. There were two good scares in the film, but that's it. Again - think drama... and then a drama that turns into a preachy message. The movie is supposed to end on a highly dramatic suspenseful event, but you really don't care. Given the options this weekend - think - Fanatstic4 - you might consider The Gift, but if you haven't seen Mission Impossible, that would be the better choice. That was fun. This is a Netflix movie folks.… Expand
3 of 9 users found this helpful36
All this user's reviews
5
mandm1951Aug 9, 2015
Disappointment = Disconfirmed Expectations. Based on the positive reviews and scores, I was expecting and hoping for more from The Gift. However, although I wasn't bored, I wasn't totally engaged either (other than a few scream-out-loadDisappointment = Disconfirmed Expectations. Based on the positive reviews and scores, I was expecting and hoping for more from The Gift. However, although I wasn't bored, I wasn't totally engaged either (other than a few scream-out-load moments.) I wonder to what extent the positive reviews are the result of the underlying message of the film. (I won't say more and risk a spoiler.)… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
6
jeffnicholsAug 8, 2015
The Gift is OK. It is NOT really a thriller. There are a couple good scares, but most of it is typical boring stuff
with a HUGE message instead of a scary gift. Again... it was ok, but some of the critics were a bit too kind.
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
5
movieman2001Aug 10, 2015
i was disappointed also with this movie, it started out ok but it wasn't nearly as good as i thought it was going to be especially with the high reviews it received. Very over rated and the story wasn't that hard to figure out. The person ii was disappointed also with this movie, it started out ok but it wasn't nearly as good as i thought it was going to be especially with the high reviews it received. Very over rated and the story wasn't that hard to figure out. The person i went with said they had the twist at the end figured out pretty quickly. Don't waste your money, this movie would be a good rental but not worth going to the theatre for!!!… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
5
Giorgi751Oct 10, 2015
I was seriously dissapointed by this film because the first 50 minutes was really promising. It was good at building suspense untill its writing creativity ran out. This is one of those thrillers which can't pay their suspense off. I likedI was seriously dissapointed by this film because the first 50 minutes was really promising. It was good at building suspense untill its writing creativity ran out. This is one of those thrillers which can't pay their suspense off. I liked directing style, there were some powerful moments. I also enjoyed Gordo Wierdo character, it was very intriguing. I think he's the main reason why people might like the film but the second part was simply underwhelming with a kind of a moral lesson at the end which not only didn't work but almost seemed illogical.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
5
RalfbergsDec 25, 2016
A bit average in my opinion, even though wasn't completely bad. Some points of the movie didn't make sense, especially the wife being not bothered by a stranger who breaks into the house to give gifts and all that, I mean she should have beenA bit average in my opinion, even though wasn't completely bad. Some points of the movie didn't make sense, especially the wife being not bothered by a stranger who breaks into the house to give gifts and all that, I mean she should have been concerned with their safety and all that. Either way, the idea was good and the acting too, just the script made it a bit unrealistic in my opinion at some points.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
YorkManMar 8, 2016
Simon and Robyn Callum (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) relocate to L.A. from Chicago, after Robyn's miscarriage sent her into a state of depression, in an attempt to make a fresh start.
Whilst out buying some bits and pieces for their newSimon and Robyn Callum (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) relocate to L.A. from Chicago, after Robyn's miscarriage sent her into a state of depression, in an attempt to make a fresh start.
Whilst out buying some bits and pieces for their new house Simon is approached by Gordon 'Gordo' Moseley, an old high school acquaintance and although he's reluctant Simon (at the urging of Robyn) agrees to have him over for a meal.
After no invite is forthcoming, Gordo just turns up unannounced whilst Simon is at work, bringing with him a gift of a bottle of wine.
After having a meal together, Gordo leaves another gift (some fish, and fish food) along with a letter thanking them for their kindness and that he'd enjoy having them come over........
Eventually though, despite Gordo's sincere acts of friendship, Simon convinces Robyn they should cut all ties, citing his 'weirdness' (Simon suggests that Gordo's nickname at high school was 'weirdo') and Simon makes his point whilst visiting Gordo's large house, but before he's had a chance to let Gordo make the meal. Gordo, having left the house for a few minutes to receive a call, isn't happy about it.
Simon assures Robyn that Gordo has taken the hint.

What follows is a psychological thriller as Gordo tries to get revenge on Simon for acts of the past, especially after his genuine want to be a friend was rebuffed.

The Gift is a well shot and well acted film, but it has some very distinct problems.

Chief amongst these is a massive lack of plot. The film runs almost 110 minutes, and pads this out with far too many pointless scenes that neither offer insight into the characters, nor move the story along.
It's a shame, because the premise of the film is very good, it's just that there isn't enough narrative to justify the run-time.
What this means is that the first two acts drag on, and on, and on.... Whilst the third act, which explains Gordo's motives, and exposes Simon's 'character', as well as the de rigeur 'twist' ending.... Is seemingly over far too quickly.
The other big problem is a side-effect of this. In that a lot of what happens is undeniably predictable. I have a personal hatred of any film where the story is explained through the use of 'secret' audio or video recordings....
It's such a cheap way for the director to create tension, by referencing back to events earlier in the film but with a different perspective. And, in this case, very obvious they were too!

Overall, this film was disappointing. With so many reviews claiming it to be a masterpiece by debut director Joel Edgerton (who also stars as Gordo) it had high expectations from me, and perhaps that's a reason I can only offer a 6/10 score.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Nickmal104Nov 17, 2015
not a fan of One trick pony movies. The whole film builds up to an end reveal. Not a very deep film. Above average than most horror films, like how I felt unnecessarily paranoid at times. That one jump scare was cheap though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
greyfootJul 20, 2016
'The Gift' is a valiant effort from Joel Edgerton, but it lacks the artistry required to make such subtle, sensitive material interesting. Good script, and honestly a good idea, but the pacing is all wrong for something without an interesting'The Gift' is a valiant effort from Joel Edgerton, but it lacks the artistry required to make such subtle, sensitive material interesting. Good script, and honestly a good idea, but the pacing is all wrong for something without an interesting accent or photography. Appreciate Edgerton's effort, though, and would like to see him try again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Grueny7Mar 7, 2018
Despite excelling at melodramatic tension, the film falls short in developing rich characters and evenly pacing the drama throughout. Despite these flaws, Joel Edgerton succeeded in creating an emotional rollercoaster whose slow building plotDespite excelling at melodramatic tension, the film falls short in developing rich characters and evenly pacing the drama throughout. Despite these flaws, Joel Edgerton succeeded in creating an emotional rollercoaster whose slow building plot and devastating ending parallels its closest inspiration: Chan-wook Park's superior 2003 Oldboy.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
K0maFeb 23, 2022
I have the feeling the positive reviews are coming from solely men because despite the good acting, direction and design this movies plot only exists to punish the wife in a story wherein she exists to be the stake of the movies thrillerI have the feeling the positive reviews are coming from solely men because despite the good acting, direction and design this movies plot only exists to punish the wife in a story wherein she exists to be the stake of the movies thriller aspect and conflict.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
JLauSep 27, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guy gets visited by someone he bullied in high school and he seems fine with everything until he starts hanging out too much, bringing gifts and possibly raping his wife and fathering a child.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
PhillD5May 4, 2021
Good but not great - Jason Bateman steals the show like always and makes this a compelling tale
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
kino_avantgardeDec 8, 2022
A Hollywood-like Psycho-Stalker story movie.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the director made the movie influenced by Cache, it would be an insult to Haneke if they were even written side by side. The only good thing about the movie isA Hollywood-like Psycho-Stalker story movie.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the director made the movie influenced by Cache, it would be an insult to Haneke if they were even written side by side.

The only good thing about the movie is that the surprises manage to trigger curiosity and (especially when the stalker disappears) the uncanny atmosphere arouses tension.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

77 Critic Reviews

8.3 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 71 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL