The Gift (2015) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Gift (2015), directed by Joel Edgerton, is a psychological thriller about a married couple, Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), whose lives are disrupted when Simon's old acquaintance, Gordo (Joel Edgerton), re-enters their lives with mysterious gifts and unsettling behavior. The film culminates in a tense confrontation where Gordo reveals he has been manipulating Simon, exposing his past bullying and lies. The ambiguous ending suggests Gordo may have impregnated Robyn through IVF tampering, leaving Simon to raise a child that might not be his. The film explores themes of revenge, guilt, and the consequences of past actions.*
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of The Gift is a masterclass in psychological tension and moral ambiguity. After a series of unsettling encounters, Gordo confronts Simon, revealing that he knows Simon lied about his role in a traumatic incident from their childhood. Simon had spread false rumors about Gordo being sexually assaulted, which ruined his life. Gordo's revenge is not physical but psychological: he implies that he may have tampered with Simon and Robyn's IVF samples, potentially making Robyn pregnant with his child. The film's final scene shows Simon holding their newborn, his face a mask of dread as he wonders if the child is truly his.
This ending is chilling because it leaves the audience questioning whether Gordo's actions were real or just a mind game. The film deliberately avoids confirmation, making the psychological torment even more effective. Simon, who spent the movie gaslighting Robyn and dismissing Gordo as harmless, is now trapped in the same cycle of doubt he inflicted on others. The final shot of Simon staring at the baby, with a mix of love and horror, underscores the film's central theme: the past always catches up with you.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Did Gordo actually tamper with the IVF?
- Yes: The film drops hints (e.g., Gordo's access to their home, his knowledge of their infertility struggles).
- No: It could be a final psychological torment, leaving Simon to live in fear.
- Is the baby really Gordo's?
- Possibly: The timeline aligns, and Gordo's smirk suggests he succeeded.
- Unlikely: Robyn's pregnancy could be natural, and Gordo just planted doubt.
- Will Simon ever confess his past sins?
- No: His pride and manipulative nature suggest he'll bury the truth deeper.
- Yes: The weight of guilt might force him to come clean to Robyn.
Themes & Symbolism
The film explores the cyclical nature of cruelty and revenge. Simon's bullying in the past mirrors his present behavior-dismissive, manipulative, and arrogant. Gordo's revenge isn't violent but existential, forcing Simon to live with uncertainty, much like Gordo did. The "gifts" Gordo leaves symbolize the lingering scars of trauma-they seem harmless but carry deep, hidden consequences. The final "gift" (the potential paternity twist) is the ultimate payback, turning Simon's perfect life into a prison of doubt.
Personal Opinion
The Gift is a brilliantly crafted thriller that subverts expectations. Unlike typical revenge stories, Gordo's retaliation is subtle yet devastating. Jason Bateman's performance as Simon-a seemingly normal guy with a dark core-is unnerving, and Joel Edgerton's direction keeps the tension simmering. The ending is perfect because it doesn't provide easy answers, forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort. It's a stark reminder that some wounds never fully heal, and karma isn't always dramatic-sometimes, it's a quiet, creeping dread.
Final Thoughts
The film's genius lies in its ambiguity. Whether Gordo's final act was real or imagined, the damage is done. Simon's paranoia and Robyn's potential betrayal (unknowingly) create a haunting conclusion. The Gift lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its psychological depth. It's not just about revenge-it's about the inescapable weight of the past and how secrets, once buried, always find a way to surface.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's a rare thriller that prioritizes psychological horror over cheap scares, leaving you with a sense of unease that's hard to shake.