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% (2015-11-18)

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. (2015-09-06)

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. (2019-12-02)

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. (2015-11-09)

A nice little present, though Hřebejk tackled a very similar theme with much more effect and grace in Honeymoon. I can't fault the film in terms of craftsmanship, and I give it a thumbs up for that one brilliant jump-scare, but the ending didn't make my jaw drop, it simply fizzled out. A good debut nonetheless, Joel Edgerton. (2016-04-10)