Although the director of (500) Days of Summer had a lot of success with this film, his two Spider-man movies starring Andy Garfield weren’t what a lot of people were expecting. Webb returned to his roots with this smaller film, Gifted starring Chris Evans.
Frank (Chris Evans) is responsible for raising his niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace). Together with his neighbour (Octavia Spencer) he takes care of her and makes sure she leads a normal life as Mary is anything but your average kid. She is very clever (just like her mother, who was one of the world’s leading mathematicians before committing suicide) and Frank makes sure she is challenged enough, but has enough room to stay a kid. When it is time for her to finally go to school Frank’s mother suddenly appears, who thinks Mary should be sent to a school for gifted children. Frank and his mother end up in court fighting a battle for custody.
Marc Webb creates a fine movie brought to life by great acting from Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace, where there isn’t a moment where you doubt the bond between the two. This is all about character and how family relationships can complicate things. Gifted might not be a groundbreaking film, but it is a solid drama that has a heart made of gold.
[score7]