Movie Review - The Gift

The Gift ** (out of 5) (R) In this stalker drama, Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall play a couple moving to a town near his old home for his new job. A guy who knew Jason from high school sees them in a store, and begins showering them with gifts and attention beyond what their apparent prior history, or reciprocal interest in his company, would warrant. His persistent attention seems more creepy than friendly. We also start wondering about how unmentioned pieces of the past between the couple and among others may be gnawing at the edges of their lives. The script laudably tries to put a new spin on the typical stalker concept, but does it so tediously that viewers are likely to lose interest in any explanations and outcomes long before they arrive. As presented, it’s hard to root for anyone, or retain whatever empathies one might feel in the early going. As gifts go, the film isn’t nearly as bad as a Trojan Horse; it’s closer to being a kid getting socks instead of a new bike for his birthday. (8/7/15)