Gifted (2017) Movie Review
“Gifted,” directed by Marc Webb and released in 2017, is a heartwarming drama that explores themes of family, intelligence, and personal growth. Starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer, the film tells the story of a young girl with extraordinary mathematical abilities and the complexities of her family dynamics.
Plot Summary
“Gifted” revolves around Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man raising his gifted niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace). The film’s plot is centered around the following key elements:
- Mary’s Gift: Mary Adler is a seven-year-old girl with exceptional mathematical talents. Her abilities are apparent from an early age, and her uncle, Frank, has been raising her since her mother’s death.
- Struggle for Normalcy: Frank is determined to provide Mary with a normal childhood despite her extraordinary intellect. He enrolls her in a regular school, hoping she will have a typical upbringing and not be overwhelmed by her gift.
- Family Conflict: The story takes a turn when Mary’s grandmother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), learns of Mary’s abilities and demands that Mary be enrolled in a prestigious academic program. Evelyn believes that Mary’s talents should be nurtured and that she should follow a path of academic excellence.
- Legal and Emotional Battle: The disagreement over Mary’s future leads to a legal battle between Frank and Evelyn. The conflict brings to light deep-seated family issues and forces Frank to confront his own past and the future he envisions for Mary.
- Resolution and Growth: As the legal battle unfolds, Mary’s relationships and emotional well-being become central to the narrative. The film explores themes of love, family, and the balance between nurturing talent and allowing a child to experience a normal life.
Key Themes and Performances
- Family and Parenthood: At its core, “Gifted” is about family dynamics and the challenges of parenting a gifted child. The film examines the different visions for Mary’s future and the impact of these visions on her well-being.
- Intelligence and Normalcy: The film explores the tension between embracing extraordinary talent and providing a child with a normal, balanced upbringing. It raises questions about the right environment for nurturing a gifted child’s potential.
- Performances: Chris Evans delivers a heartfelt performance as Frank Adler, capturing the complexity of a parent figure who wants both to protect and to support his niece. Mckenna Grace’s portrayal of Mary is both charming and poignant, showcasing her impressive acting range. Octavia Spencer, as Roberta, adds warmth and depth to the film with her supporting role.
Cinematography and Direction
Marc Webb’s direction balances emotional depth with engaging storytelling, creating a film that is both touching and thought-provoking. The cinematography, by Stuart Dryburgh, uses a warm and inviting style to complement the film’s heartfelt narrative.
The pacing of the film allows for a thorough exploration of the characters and their relationships, ensuring that the emotional stakes are clearly conveyed. Webb’s direction ensures that the film remains engaging and resonates with viewers.
Audience Reception
“Gifted” received positive reviews for its strong performances and emotional resonance. Critics praised the film for its heartfelt storytelling and the chemistry between the cast members. The film’s exploration of family dynamics and its portrayal of a gifted child’s challenges were also well-received.
Streaming and Availability
For those interested in watching “Gifted,” the film is available on several platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Check for rental or purchase options.
- Apple TV: Check for rental or purchase options.
- Google Play Movies: Offers rental and purchase options.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“Gifted” is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores the challenges of raising a gifted child while balancing family dynamics and personal growth. With strong performances from Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer, the film offers a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
For a film that combines emotional depth with an engaging story, “Gifted” is worth watching through the available streaming and rental options. Its exploration of family, intelligence, and normalcy makes it a notable and memorable film.
