Joel Edgerton has been starring in films for many years now, and is no stranger to working behind the scenes on them as well. Along with his equally talented brother Nash, they have a production company called Blue-Tongue Films and have produced both shorts and narrative features – I highly recommend the Australian crime drama THE SQUARE, which is written by Joel and directed by Nash. THE GIFT is Joel’s feature directorial debut, which he also wrote and stars in, and is the flagship film for the new studio STX Entertainment. It also happens to be one of the best and most haunting films of the year.

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are settling in at a new house in the hometown where Simon grew up. While Robyn spends her days at home, Simon is bucking for a high-ranking position within his office, one that he’s very close to getting should he be chosen over the other equally qualified candidate. One day while shopping the couple run into Gordo (Joel Edgerton), a former schoolmate of Simon’s who recognizes him in the store. They exchange pleasantries and part company, but not before Gordo overhears their home address. Soon after a gift from Gordo appears on Simon and Robyn’s doorstep, and eventually Gordo himself appears to follow up on their chance encounter. Robyn sees him as a potential new friend, and his connection with Simon makes him seem that much more harmless. They invite him to dinner, and again things seem relatively fine, though Simon apparently has little interest in cultivating a friendship with the man. Robyn remains intrigued though, and starts to wonder what their childhood relationship was like, and more importantly why Simon doesn’t want to talk about it. What begins as a seemingly harmless friendship soon turns odd, as Gordo’s private life gets increasingly mysterious, and Simon’s reluctance to spend time around him grows stronger for unknown reasons.

On the surface, THE GIFT is a sort of stalker mystery thriller, centering around a couple who find a strange man entering their lives and making things awkward. Being this is a Blumhouse release, the same company responsible for the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY movies, you’d have every right to assume a horror aspect to be part of the proceedings. But what’s great about this film, outside of the constantly building tension and strong performances from the cast, is how it keeps you guessing and in the dark on what it’s really leading up to. There are secrets within the narrative that unveil themselves the way a good book takes you on an unexpected turn, and the end result is something that will stick with you for quite sometime. If you’re looking for a happy ending here, you won’t find it, but it also isn’t going to wrap up the way you might expect it to.

Edgerton was smart in how he crafted the story, as his role of Gordo doesn’t have a wealth of screen time, but is effective when he’s there. By being off screen, it allows him to concentrate while in the director’s chair, and pull the best possible performances from his two primary actors. Jason Bateman is proving more and more he can play things serious when necessary, and this is an inspired reading for a character any actor would enjoy sinking their teeth into. His role of Simon is a sort of everyman, but finds the right beats to take things into uncomfortable territory, and even surprises the audience with some unexpected reveals later in the story. Rebecca Hall is also terrific as Robyn, the inquisitive and lonely wife who tries to be the voice of reason, even if it backfires on them both. Some could argue this is a commentary on modern marriage, and just how well we really know the loved ones we share a bed with.

I can’t leave out mentioning the creepy and effective portrayal of Gordo by Joel Edgerton, which again while used sparingly is quite essential and impressive in the end. In a time where we’ve seen countless films with slashers and serial killers, this is an antagonist that is unnerving because of how close to reality he comes off being. We’ve all known a “Gordo” in our lives, and some of us may know one now, but it’s how we deal with them that defines the outcome and destiny of what they ultimately become to us. It’s also a hard character to talk about without spoiling certain plot points, so I’ll just leave it at saying he’s one of the better antagonists to appear in any recent film.

THE GIFT is a movie you should see because it’s timely on many topics and deals with real world issues most of us can relate to, but it’s also a film that deserves as much exposure as possible. We’re constantly inundated with reboots and remakes, sequels and popcorn fare that you forget before you even exit the theater. This is a cinematic experience that will stick with you and have you talking, the kind of production you’ll want your friends to see… if only to have someone to discuss it with at length. And if it’s any indicator of the kind of quality we can expect from STX releases, I genuinely look forward to what they unleash next.

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