Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young couple moving to a new home. For Simon it is a return of sorts to the city where he was raised.
A chance meeting on the first day brings them face to face with Gordon (Joel Egerton), a former schoolmate of Simon’s. Though he initially does not recall ‘Gordo’ – as he prefers to be known – Simon and Robyn find themselves the recipients of a number of thoughtful welcome gifts in ensuing days.
But Gordo isn’t finished, going beyond the usual ‘friendly neighbour’ routine, he quickly morphs into Simon’s one-man fan club. A gushing and effusive source of compliments and envy.
Simon does not instantly return the love. Since the initial meeting he has recalled more of Gordo’s past, including the not especially nice or clever nick name from school; Weirdo. Despite Robyn’s protestations, Simon seeks to make it quite clear he wants none of this ‘mutual admiration society’.
The Gift becomes more predictable the further it goes, but perhaps the biggest feature is not so much gifted but borrowed (don’t click if you don’t wanna know) from another infinitely superior film.
Egerton’s first film owes a lot to the plot line of that film, but the sparse directing and excellent performances allow you to see beyond that.
This is a very good and at times very creepy drama, and worthy accompaniment to an otherwise dark and dull night in.
Final Rating – 7.5 / 10. The gifts here might be mere tokens of appreciation, but it is in the events that follow that reveal the true nature of all involved.