The Gift

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% (18/11/2015)

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. (09/11/2015)

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)

Joel Edgerton certainly isn't a bad director at all, as he managed to make his feature debut almost an A plus. The problem is the denouement of the story, which is a dusty copy of several other films, as others have mentioned here. But I applaud the atmosphere, the performances, and the occasionally solid suspense. Overall, it's kind of an average 3 stars. (02/12/2019)

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). (22/09/2015)