Movie of the Week: The Gift
Alexa: I’ve long been a fan of Joel Edgerton the actor, but after watching “The Gift,” I’m eager to see much more of Joel Edgerton the director. He really knocked it out of the park with his feature debut, and I imagine he’ll only continue to refine his skill from here. “The Gift” is a quietly terrifying thriller because it seems so plausible. I love a good supernatural tale as much as the next person, but “The Gift” is so unsettling because everyday human cruelty drives the conflict. It’s a jarring reminder of how much damage lies can reap, and how their unintended consequences can wreak lasting havoc on people’s lives. Edgerton sets a subtly sinister tone with his direction. He uses gorgeous set design to mask a vast array of secrets, underscoring the notion that lives that appear perfect are not always what they seem. His performance is equally eerie, and Rebecca Hall’s Robyn is a compelling lead. But casting the usually-likable Jason Bateman as Simon is particularly effec...