The Gift (2000) Ending Explained
TL;DR
The Gift (2015), directed by Joel Edgerton, is a psychological thriller about a couple, Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), whose lives unravel when an old acquaintance, Gordo (Joel Edgerton), re-enters their lives with mysterious gifts and unsettling behavior. The ending reveals Gordo's revenge: he drugged Simon and artificially inseminated Robyn with Simon's sperm, leaving her pregnant with a child that may or may not be Simon's. The film concludes with Robyn choosing to keep the baby, while Simon's past lies and abusive behavior are exposed, leaving their marriage fractured. The ambiguous final shot - Robyn staring at Gordo's gift-filled home-hints at unresolved tension and the cyclical nature of revenge.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Gift hinges on a series of revelations that dismantle Simon's carefully constructed facade. Throughout the film, Gordo's erratic behavior seems like stalking, but the truth is far more calculated. In the final act, Robyn discovers that Simon had lied about Gordo's past, particularly about a high-school incident where Simon falsely accused Gordo of inappropriate behavior, ruining his life. This lie underscores the film's theme of toxic masculinity and the consequences of unchecked privilege. The final confrontation reveals Gordo's ultimate revenge: he exploited Simon's sperm to impregnate Robyn, weaponizing Simon's own biology against him. This twist reframes the entire film as a slow-burn psychological game rather than a simple stalker narrative.
Robyn's decision to keep the baby is the emotional core of the ending. Her choice symbolizes her rejection of Simon's control and her embrace of an uncertain future. The pregnancy is a literal and metaphorical burden for Simon, who is forced to confront the possibility that the child might not be his-or worse, that it is his but conceived under horrific circumstances. The film leaves this question unresolved, amplifying the psychological torment. The final shot of Robyn staring at Gordo's house, now filled with gifts for the unborn child, suggests a lingering connection between the three characters, implying that the cycle of manipulation and revenge may not be over.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. Is the baby Simon's or Gordo's?
- Possibility 1: The child is Simon's, artificially inseminated using his stolen sperm. This would mean Gordo's revenge is psychological, forcing Simon to raise a child born of violation.
- Possibility 2: The child is Gordo's, making the revenge even more personal and ensuring Simon can never fully escape Gordo's influence.
Will Robyn and Simon stay together?
- Possibility 1: Robyn stays out of fear or obligation, but their marriage is irreparably broken.
- Possibility 2: She leaves Simon, reclaiming her autonomy but raising the child alone.
Is Gordo truly finished with his revenge?
- Possibility 1: The gifts suggest ongoing manipulation, hinting at future torment.
- Possibility 2: Gordo has achieved his goal and will disappear, leaving Simon to suffer silently.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
The Gift is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, and its ending is both horrifying and brilliantly ambiguous. The revelation of Gordo's revenge is shocking but thematically consistent-it's a poetic punishment for Simon's past cruelty. The film's strength lies in its refusal to provide easy answers, forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort of unresolved questions. Jason Bateman's performance as Simon is particularly standout, subverting his usual comedic persona to portray a deeply flawed, manipulative man. Joel Edgerton's direction ensures the film lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. The ending isn't just about revenge; it's about the inescapability of the past and the ways trauma reverberates through lives.
Final Thoughts
The Gift transcends typical thriller tropes by focusing on psychological warfare rather than physical violence. The ending's ambiguity is its greatest strength, inviting multiple interpretations and discussions. It's a film that rewards rewatches, as subtle clues-like Gordo's knowledge of fertility treatments-take on new meaning. The final image of Robyn, caught between two toxic men but ultimately making her own choice, is a powerful commentary on agency and consequence. Whether you see Gordo as a villain or a victim, the film's ending ensures you'll never forget it.