To See or Not to See: Gifted

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) has been raising his seven year-old niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace), since she was a baby because her mother—Frank’s sister—took her own life. Frank has nurtured Mary, grounded her, and loved her. In order to give her a normal life, though, Frank makes Mary attend school when she hits first grade. His neighbor Roberta (Octavia Spencer), who has helped him out with Mary, warns him that sending her to school will stir up trouble. Why? Well, her teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate), soon discovers why: Mary is a math genius. When that fact is discovered by school authorities, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), Frank’s mother, arrives to try and take Mary away. Another factor? Mary’s mother was a genius mathematician, too, and Evelyn closely worked with her to push her to be great.

Gifted was a surprisingly solid film that addressed some heavy life questions. Questions of sacrifice, guilt, love, sharing your gift with the world, and the role of parents all came into play. Not to mention the fact that it portrays females with brilliant minds as nonthreatening (Frank is surrounded by them and is nonplussed) and admirable. Initially thinking this film would be a flimsy feel good film, I was taken by (delighted) surprise at the more serious tone. The tone was lightened, at times, with the witty banter between Frank and Mary. No matter how smart she may be, Mary is still a seven year old full of questions for the adults around her.

All the actors in Gifted give wonderful performances. Mckenna Grace as Mary was precocious and old and young all at the same time. Evans brought a soulfulness and depth to Frank that make his love for Mary evident and real. They are an incredibly charming pair. Also, the chemistry between Jenny Slate and Chris Evans was tangible (and they dated in real life after filming). Octavia Spencer was a firecracker in the small number of scenes she was in (and it made me wish I could see the scenes she most likely had that were cut out of the film). Finally, Evelyn’s unfulfilled dreams and mistakes as a mother were minutely yet skillfully expressed by Lindsay Duncan and added yet another layer to Gifted.

This custody battle drama will have you run the gamut of emotions and feelings—from laughter to tears to a warmed heart.

★ ★ ★ ★ out of 4

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures