If there’s anyone that fits the expression ‘triple threat’, it’s Joel Edgerton, who not only acts in ‘The Gift’ but wrote and directed it as well. I usually judge how good a thriller is by how many times I jump up from my seat. While watching ‘The Gift’ not only did I jump but to the dismay of the people sitting on either side of me, I let out three loud screams .

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a married couple who seem to be living the ‘American Dream’ They have just moved from Chicago to sunny Los Angeles, where they have purchased a big beautiful glass house overlooking the city. Simon has a brand new job that he is excited about, especially when he finds out he’s up for a very big promotion. Robyn, a designer, seems content to work from home. One day while out shopping, the couple have a chance encounter with a guy from Simon’s past. His name is Gordo aka Gordon (Joel Edgerton) and he apparently went to high School with Simon. who can barely remember him. Gordo, however, remembers Simon only too well and seems eager to become BFF’S with the couple.

Grodo starts to leave gifts at Robyn and Simon’s house, but that’s not all. He thinks nothing of popping over to visit Robyn when Simon is at work. Robyn is much too sweet not to invite Gordo in for a cup of tea or even a meal. Afterall, Gordo is really going out of his way to bond with them. He even bought fish for the couple’s empty Koi pond. But, after a very strange dinner at Gordo’s house, Simon decides that’s it. He never wants to see his old high school acquaintance again. Unfortunately, Gordo seems to have a very different idea and it doesn’t take long before Robyn and Simon’s life goes into a harrowing tailspin. As a horrifying secret from the past is uncovered, Robyn learns some unsettling truth about what really happened between Simon and Gordo.. Thanks to Joel Edgeton’s tight direction, there is a sense of dread and discomforted throughout the film, as well as a couple of killer twists toward the end.. Edgerton has created a very smart, gripping psychological thriller and for that reason it received five bagels out of five.

‘The Gift’ opens in theatres Friday, August 7th Check out our Two Jews On Film video for more of my thoughts and to hear what my guest thought.