’A Southern widow’s psychic abilities put her in the middle of a murder investigation.’
In ’The Gift’, Cate Blanchett stars as Annie Wilson, a Southern widow who gives psychic
readings to help pay the bills and feed her three young boys. When Valerie Barksdale (Hilary Swank),
tries to get strength and support from Annie to leave her abusive, redneck husband Donnie
Barksdale (Keanu Reeves), he grows more and more hate for Annie. He Believes so much that Annie’s
psychic readings are the devil’s work, that she’s into witch craft, and goes so far as to threatening
Annie’s children.
As if that’s not enough for Annie, her eldest son is getting into fights at school. Principal
Wayne Collins (Greg Kinnear), thinks that unresolved feelings about his father’s death are behind
the child’s problems. As Annie and Wayne are discussing about her son, thay are interrupted
by Wayne’s fiancee, Jessica King (Katie Holmes). Annie begins to have disturbing visions of
Jessica that takes great importance when Jessica suddenly disappears. Annie’s visions are the only
things that are leading and helping the investigation.
’The Gift’ is a very intelligent and haunting film with some amazing storytelling. Throughout the movie,
you are entertained by some interesting characters and their lives. There isn’t really any slow moments
like some movies of this kind have. It’s haunting and chilling. Probably the creepiest film I’ve seen in a while.
All of the actors are very believable and do great jobs telling the story.
The whole cast gives excellent performances. Cate Blanchett does an amazing job as the psychic reader.
Keanu Reeves gives a knockout and chilling performance, possibly the best performance of his career. Giovanni
Ribisi brings his character, Buddy, to life with his wonderful acting and talent. He’s definitely going to be a
more appreciated and much more known actor in the near future. Hilary Swank does a fantastic job playing an abused wife.
The rest of the cast, along with Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes, give wonderful and smart performances that help the film work.
’The Gift’ was very entertaining and scary. The story was very well told by and awesome all star cast. There were
some scenes that made me jump and scenes that shocked and surprised me as well. It would have been nice if the film
got a few Oscar nomination’s, especially for Blanchett, Reeves, and Ribisi. But I guess some people didn’t see it like that.
’The Gift’ is a great film that shouldn’t be missed and is sure to be one of the years best, on my list anyway.