The Gift (Joel Edgerton, 2015)

What's it about? Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) move to a new house in California where they unexpectedly meet a face from Simon's past. Gordo (Joel Edgerton) seems nice, but then he starts becoming a little too friendly.....

Is it any good? Best watched with no prior knowledge, so off you go. I'll wait here.


*tum-te-tum-te-tum*


Back again? Not too bad, is it? Edgerton (who also writes) delivers quite a tidy effort for his directorial debut. It's a slow-burn thriller that wraps up various elements of those suburban stalker films from the 90s (Pacific Heights, Unlawful Entry et al) with some muddy morality, to pretty good effect all round. It doesn't do anything remarkably different, but it does make an effort to make the story a little more complex than you might think, so there's enough uncertainty to keep your expectations shifting throughout. If you liked this, by the way, check out the similar, but superior Spanish film Sleep Tight, which I've reviewed here.

Anything else I should know? Those looking for a quick glimpse of Katie Holmes' boobs will be disappointed though. Allow yourself a little victory-dance if you get that joke

What does the Fonz think? A tidy offering.