Real Review - The Gift

The best thing about The Gift is Cate Blanchett. Armed with a suspenseful script that keeps you guessing, Blanchett’s performance as the poor, white-trash psychic, Annie, is convincing. With decent support performances by Keanu Reeves, Hillary Swank, and Greg Kinnear, Blanchett dominates The Gift and earns the starring role.

The Gift is set in south Louisiana with Blanchett playing a recent widow struggling to take care of her three young boys by giving psychic readings. One of her clients is the abused wife of a threatening husband, played by Reeves. Later, he goes on trial for murder of the town floozy. Though he thinks he was set-up by Annie, she “sees” the real killer.

Without a doubt, this is the best role by Keanu Reeves that I’ve seen. He seems to be in his element as the “bad boy” instead of the good guy. His part was relatively small here, but he was menacing. Swank also has a small role as the abused wife and she does a decent job.

The surprise performance in The Gift is by Giovanni Ribisi, who plays Buddy, the mentally-ill, mechanic-friend to Annie. His mental distress and soul-shattering, unrequited love for Annie heightened the tension of the plot. The interplay between the two characters featured the best acting performances and were the best scenes in the movie.

Lastly, the soundtrack of moody fiddle-music added ambiance to the film and cast a melancholy pall over the proceedings.

Rating: 7.5

Source: Chuck’s Movie Reviews

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